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LESSON PLAN

Nebraska Animal Grid Drawing

(1:1 iPad classroom)
Students will draw an animal native to Nebraska using the grid drawing
method.

Blair H.
Classroom teacher
Aurora Public Schools
Aurora, United States

SUBJECTS OBJECTIVES
Arts Students will be able to...

GRADES Define realism and identify realism as a style of art

7–8 Define grid drawing method
Identify the steps to using the grid method for a drawing
Use a grid to create a 2D artwork

1 HOOK/ATTENTION GETTER
Activity:
Conversing

Take students out into the hallway to view the Platte River animal mural. Ask students
what they think the animals have in common with each other. Discuss why the artist
might have chosen to show the animals as realistic. Define native animals. Give
examples of native verse domesticated animals. Ask students to name other animals
that are native to Nebraska. (No animals which have been brought to Nebraska and
domesticated or only live in zoos)

STUDENT INSTRUCTIONS
Choose an animal to draw realistically for this project. The animal must be native to
Nebraska. 
2 DIRECT INSTRUCTION
YouTube Google Classroom
Free, Paid Free

Digital Class Presentation:

(Also share on Google Classroom for future viewing)
Student examples of animal drawings 
Finding high quality photographs online
define photograph vs. drawing/illustration
Step-by-step grid drawing process
Cropping photo to drawing dimensions
Adding grid to photograph on iPad app
Adding grid to drawing surface
Labeling a grid
Using the grid once it is in place 
Options for finishing: 
Pencil
Colored Pencil
Colored Pencil + Watercolor
Ink/Sharpie
Video with time-lapse of grid drawing

STUDENT INSTRUCTIONS
Presentation and video link will be available on Google Classroom if you would like to
review or rewatch. 

3 GUIDED PRACTICE - IMAGE SEARCH

OFF-SITE RESOURCE
https://images.google.c

Show students on iPad a Google image search for an animal. Advise students to choose
"HD" option when using Google image search. Demonstrate how to save image to iPad. 

Give students time to find an image they would like to draw. Walk around classroom to
verify students are able to utilize Google image search. Make sure student are finding
photographs and not drawings/illustrations.  

STUDENT INSTRUCTIONS
Use Google image search to find your native Nebraska animal photograph. Click on the
"HD" option. Save your image to your iPad.

4 GUIDED PRACTICE - GRID APPLICATION

OFF-SITE RESOURCE
https://itunes.apple.co
add-grid-on-
image/id1033011034?
mt=8

Demonstrate step-by-step digital grid method for students to follow along:

Cropping photo to drawing dimensions in Photo App

Adding grid to photograph on iPad app Grid #
Adding grid to drawing surface
Labeling a grid
Using the grid once it is in place 

5 INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
OFF-SITE RESOURCE Activity:
https://itunes.apple.co Drawing
add-grid-on-
image/id1033011034?
mt=8

Students will utilize the grid method to draw the outline of their photograph with the
digital grid on their iPad. After they are finished with the outline, erase the grid, then
add details and shading/color. 

STUDENT INSTRUCTIONS
1. Draw the outline of your photograph
2. Erase the grid
3. Add details
4. Shade/color

6 WRAP-UP
Activity:
Assessing
Once students are finished, put drawings together in common space for students to
view. Have students point out positive aspects of each other's drawings. Discuss how
the grid method makes drawing realistically easier. 

7 WRAP-UP
Artsonia Kids Art
Museum

Free

Have students upload a photograph of their finished artwork to the Artsonia website

through the iPad app.