Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand and apply geometric concepts in creating your own mosaic artwork.

Materials and Prep

• Graph paper
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Colored pencils or markers

No prior knowledge is required for this lesson.

Activities

1. Introduction to Mosaics:

   Start by discussing what mosaics are and their historical significance. Show examples of different types of mosaics from different cultures.

2. Geometric Shapes in Mosaics:

   Explain how geometric shapes are commonly used in creating mosaic patterns. Discuss the properties of different shapes such as squares, rectangles, triangles, and polygons.

3. Create Your Own Mosaic Design:

   Using the graph paper, pencil, and ruler, guide the student in creating their own mosaic design. Encourage them to experiment with different geometric shapes and patterns.

4. Coloring and Finalizing:

   Once the design is complete, instruct the student to color their mosaic design using colored pencils or markers. Emphasize the importance of color choices and how they can enhance the overall visual impact of the artwork.

Eighth Grade Talking Points

• "Mosaics are a form of art that has been around for thousands of years. They were used by ancient civilizations such as the Romans and Greeks to decorate buildings and create beautiful patterns."
• "Geometric shapes are often used in mosaics because they can fit together neatly and create visually appealing patterns. Some common geometric shapes used in mosaics include squares, rectangles, triangles, and polygons."
• "Squares have four equal sides and angles, and they can be used to create a grid-like pattern in a mosaic."
• "Rectangles have four sides and angles, but opposite sides are of different lengths. They can be used to create interesting patterns and variations in a mosaic."
• "Triangles have three sides and angles. They can be used to create sharp and dynamic patterns in a mosaic."
• "Polygons are shapes with more than three sides. They can be regular or irregular, and they offer a wide range of possibilities when creating a mosaic design."
• "When creating your own mosaic design, remember to consider the overall composition, color choices, and the visual impact you want to achieve."