Teacher:
Keri Pye
Humble ISD
Art and Science Connections: Branching
Objectives: The Student will…
• Use appropriate vocabulary to discuss
the use of line Art TEKS 1b.
• Design original tree sculpture and
drawings from it. Art TEKS 1b.
• Recognize a few facts about the life
and work of Van Gogh Art TEKS 3a,b.
• Describe the intent of their artwork.
Art TEKS 4a.
. the drawings.
Vocabulary/Art Concepts:
 Lines
 Pattern, Rhythm, Repetition
 Branching
Artist: Vincent Van Gogh
Materials:
• PowerPoint on Branching in Nature
• Tree branches
• Tree Sculpture: Small paper bags,
scissors, sharpies, spray watercolor
• Observational Drawing: Sharpies
for contouring and any other
materials to add color
Introduction:
 Define the scientific term
“branching.”. Show examples from
nature (use PowerPoint).
 Find different examples of
branching in Van Gogh’s artwork
(Use PowerPoint or posters).
Procedure:
Create Tree Sculpture
1. Do not open paper bag. Starting
at the top edge of the bag, use
scissors to cut strips down the
length of the bag.
2. Use a sharpie to draw linear
patterns in each strip.
3. Hold bag with two hands in the
middle of the uncut portion of the
bag. Twist the bag to make the
trunk. Flatten the bottom of the
bag so that the tree can stand on
its own.
Class:
4. Twist each of the strips to make
the tree branches.
5. Use spray watercolor to add color.
Observational Drawings
1. Use sharpies and white paper to
create contour drawing of the trees.
(Upper levels may try blind contour
and cross-contour drawings).
2. Use various materials to add color to
Multiple Intelligences other than
Visual Intelligence:
 Mathematical-logical: create
linear patterns on trees
 Musical: Play background
music, compare rhythms in
music to patterns in art
 Bodily-Kinesthetic: Students
create tree sculpture
 Interpersonal: students
reflect with each other about
their work.
 Intra-personal: Students
contemplate and wonder how
to individualize their artwork.
 Linguistic: Students can write
a poem or story about their tree
 Naturalistic: Students learn
about branching in nature.
Bloom’s Taxonomy:
Knowledge: Students define branching
Comprehension: Students define and
give examples of branching in nature
Application: Student produces a 3-D
example of branching
Analysis: Analyze Van Gogh’s use of
branching in his work
Synthesis: Create a “branching drawing”
from their tree sculpture
Evaluation: Compare, critique, and
judge Van Gogh’s work. Guide students in
critiquing their own work if time allows.
Literature Resources:
• Echoes for the Eye: Poems to
Teacher: Class:

Celebrate Patterns in Nature

Teacher Resources:
• Branching in Nature by J. F. Gouyet