3rd Grade Symmetrical Bug Prints

One of my favorite mediums in art is printmaking. I loved my printmaking professor at Towson University during my undergraduate work. This unit incorporates math, and science.

Materials Needed
Tempera Paint
Foam Dabbers
Dull Colored Pencils
Foam ( 6x9")
pre-printed 12x18" construction paper
12 x18" construction paper
Glue
Scissors
Oil Pastels

I start this project by having my third graders look at the bodies of insects. We talk about symmetry, and how if we were to fold their bodies in half, they would be the same on both sides. We talk about the characteristics of bugs (wings, body, legs, and antennas). I give my students a sheet of bugs (ex, below)

This shows students half of the beetle's body. I give students a sheet of paper and have them fold it in half. I tell them to draw half of the bug's body on along the folded sheet of paper. When they are done drawing half of the body on the right side of the paper, and then fold over and shade on top of it. When they open their back up, the other side of their bug should appear. The next step is to have students tape their bug drawing onto a piece of foam. Using a dull colored pencils, they are to trace their drawing onto the piece of foam. I tell students to trace their drawings two times. When done, they give me their work so I can out the shape of their bug.

The next step is apply ink (paint) to the foam. I have my students use tempera paint and foam dabbers.  They like how they have to "daub" it. I tell them to dip their "dabber" into the paint once and apply the paint all over. I talk about color as well because they are printing on colored paper. I give them various 12 x18' paper to choose from. This gives the chance to print their stamp at least 4-5 times.

The final step is the next lesson, where I have students look over their printed stamps from the previous week. I encourage them to pick their best "two to three" prints for their final piece. They cut them out using scissors, and then choose from pre-printed 12x 18" bright colored paper. Once again I talk about color choice with the students. Before students glue on their insects into the background paper, using oil pastels they are to draw an environment for their chosen insect.