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Remember the Alamo ? No not really! I am not from Texas and in 4th grade I took Indiana History... so learning about the culture of my now home state is really fun for all.  I came up with this lesson a few years ago after a TAEA conference host presented a lesson on creating the facade of the Alamo in Clay.  I tried the lesson with Air Dry clay, I had no kiln,  and it was a disaster.  I recreated the lesson using 36 gauge aluminum from Sax School Specialty. The student's did an observational drawing of the Alamo using pictures and technology. Since the structure is symmetrical I guided them with some simple contour drawing steps.  The manilla paper was 4.5 x 6 inches to utilize utilize the aluminum size.  I precut the metal on my paper cutter and taped it for them to the paper to avoid sharp edges.  They traced their original drawing with pen on to...

  I always love seeing the student work displayed in our hallway for Art Night during our school open house. This year I was really fond of the 4th grader's art work that was displayed together. I go back and forth each year about what looks best and how it should be displayed. I think the Texas Art work really looked nice, and the black paper the PTA mom's picked really made the artwork pop! I may rethink the other grade level's art work choices next year! Now onto the last nine weeks!!       

I am cleaning up my hard drive and came across photo's of my favorite lesson that I have created. The 4th grader's draw a contour drawing of the facade of the Alamo, tape it on an 18 gauge aluminum sheet and transfer with ball point pin. We tool it again after the drawing is transfered. The final step it so trim the top of the facade and blacken with india ink and soap. Their favorite part is to buff with steel wool!!