WPU Practicum Teacher Creates STEAM Lesson Plan for GOPA art class

WPU Art Practicum teacher Marissa Hogan recently created a STEAM lesson plan in Mr. Jones' GOPA STEAM Class.  This lesson plan, featuring a blend of art, science, and engineering was inspired by caricature masks.  

The first step involved the students adding exaggerated features to pre-formed plastic masks and wrapping them with plaster-soaked gauze bandages.  Students added large noses, ears, chins and other features to their masks, personalizing them and making their unique statements.  Engineering was involved as students thought through the problems of adding mass, size and weight to their structures. They also learned about the scientific properties of plaster as a wrapping medium and about how the medium of plaster changes completely as it goes from wet to dry.  

Next students were instructed to experiment with color using paint on paper the same scale as their mask sculptures.  When these students were satisfied, they returned to the actual mask, where they applied their paint with confidence.  The results were impressive!  Students created a wide variety of solutions to the original prompt to this STEAM art lesson given by Ms. Hogan and were clearly proud of their 
achievements.

The resulting colorful masks display a wide variety of creativity and problem solving.  They will soon be on display on the second floor science display case with other STEAM art projects.