Scribd
Upload
13 views

lesson plan

This lesson plan provides a step-by-step guide for teaching the traditional mosaic technique and an alternative using recycled plastics, inspired by a visit to The British Museum. It outlines learning objectives, safety precautions, and potential applications for studying art, history, and design. The plan emphasizes the importance of material handling and encourages creativity through experimentation with various media.

Uploaded by

Amankwaa Dominic
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
13 views

lesson plan

This lesson plan provides a step-by-step guide for teaching the traditional mosaic technique and an alternative using recycled plastics, inspired by a visit to The British Museum. It outlines learning objectives, safety precautions, and potential applications for studying art, history, and design. The plan emphasizes the importance of material handling and encourages creativity through experimentation with various media.

Uploaded by

Amankwaa Dominic
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

Mosaic

lesson plan

National Curriculum: KS 3&4 Art and Design


In this lesson plan we demonstrate the traditional version of the technique and show how simple
and effective it can be and a Year 5 group demonstrate a version of mosaic using recycled
plastics.

By following this lesson plan you get a step by step guide to the technique of mosaic and advice
on managing the risks of working with glass tiles and cement based grout. The recycled plastics
workshop was inspired by a trip to The British Museum and can be a whole school project.

https://www.culturestreet.org.uk/lesson.php?id=65

Learning Objectives
Through using this lesson plan students should:

Pupils should increase their proficiency in the handling of different materials.

In addition students can gain knowledge and understanding of the work and approaches of
artists, craftspeople or designers from contemporary and/or historical contexts, periods, societies
and cultures. Students can refine their ideas as work progresses through experimenting with
media, materials, techniques and process.
Overview
A brief introduction to the traditional technique of mosaic. The lesson plan lays out a step by step
guide to making a simple mosaic and a Year 5 whole class alternative with recycled plastics.

This lesson can be used:

To start a mosaic project.

To develop ideas and understanding of processes and materials.

As part of study of any artist using mosaic in their work.

As part of study of the Roman or Byzantine empires.

As part of individual study

Background - Mosaic

A mosaic is made by putting together small pieces of different colours to make a picture. Most
mosaics are made of small pieces of glass or pottery. Mosaic art has a long history but was
particularly popular in Roman times including this example from Fishbourne Roman Palace, West
Sussex. Although traditionally made in glass or ceramic, mosaics can be made from lots of
different materials including pebbles, shells and plastic.
Making a traditional mosaic

This video shows the making of a mosaic using glass tiles mounted on a plywood base
approx 32cms x 32cms. Glass can be sharp and care should be taken. Goggles should
be worn and do not clean surfaces by wiping with bare hands. Grout contains cement
and gloves should be worn.

Watch the video a few times before you begin and maybe start with a relatively simple
design or a pattern.

https://www.culturestreet.org.uk/lesson.php?id=65

Mosaic design
Simple designs such as stars, suns and geometric shapes often work best, especially
when you are just starting to learn the technique. Mosaic lends itself to repeated pattern
or very simple designs of birds, insects or flowers.

What risks are there with a mosaic workshop?

This workshop involves tools and sharp edges and adult supervision maybe required. We
have produced a simple sheet to help you negate the risks of using these materials. Art
UK and CultureStreet accept no responsibility for injury or accidental damage as a result
of using this lesson plan. Please be careful.

Reducing the risks of working with mosaic materials

Cutting with music nippers glass tiles will always produce some small pieces of debris.
Splinters around the working area can produce minor cuts if care is not taken. Goggles
should be always worn by students cutting tiles and work areas should be kept clean.

Cement is the main ingredient of most tile grouts and must be treated with care. Using
ready mixed grout will avoid dust from mixing. Gloves should be worn for grouting
mosaics. If grout comes into contact with skin wash with cold water.

Teachers need to decide themselves whether they think their students are mature enough
for this activity and what size group can take part. For younger groups the mosaic
produced by the London primary school in the second film in the lesson plan maybe more
appropriate.
Mosaic with recycled materials

This video shows the making of a mosaic using recycled plastics by a Year 5 group. To
get inspiration for their mosaic the group visit The British Museum to see a sculpture
called The Tree of Life. This sculpture is made from many recycled weapons and the
students make their own interpretation back in school using recycled plastics to send
their own message.

https://www.culturestreet.org.uk/lesson.php?id=65

https://www.culturestreet.org.uk/artist.php?id=164

Development Activity
If you are looking at the technique of mosaic as part of a study of the Romans there are
other resources on CultureStreet that can be used to support this lesson plan. There is
this lesson plan about The Roman Empire and its impact upon Britain and the life of an
ordinary soldier in the Roman Cavalry.
https://www.culturestreet.org.uk/lesson.php?id=20
The film in the lesson plan was made at Segedunum on Hadrians Wall and the students
learn from a tour of this unique museum including about Roman toilet facilities.
What is Segedunum.
https://www.culturestreet.org.uk/artist.php?id=75

You might also like