Elements of Art Projects Shape Form Art Lessons Worksheets Activities BTS

This Shape and Form Art Unit teaches the Elements of Art: Shape and Form to upper elementary and middle school students, grades 4 to 8. Students learn the difference between geometric and organic shapes, explore three-dimensional form and perspective, and apply what they learn in three step-by-step art projects.

The unit includes a video presentation, informational handouts, rubrics, assessments and an artist study of Wayne Thiebaud. It is print-ready and works for art teachers, homeschool educators, art on a cart programs, remote teaching and sub plans.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★ “The video presentations, guided notes, rubrics, and step-by-step projects made planning effortless. Students stayed engaged throughout the unit and produced artwork they were truly proud of.” Jennifer W.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE PDF, AMERICAN ENGLISH)

• Lesson 1: Introduction to Shape and Form, with an About Shape and Form video presentation, a PDF slide presentation and guided student handouts
• Lesson 2: Mini Art Challenge, a hands-on warm-up with a full lesson plan
• Lesson 3: Artist Spotlight, Wayne Thiebaud, with an informational handout, note-taking and reflection page, and lesson plan
• Lesson 4: Floating Forms Art Project, an abstract composition exploring depth, layering and form
• Lesson 5: Wayne Thiebaud Cake Art Project on form, perspective and color mixing
• Lesson 6: Geometric and Organic Shape Art Project, a bold abstract artwork using contrast, balance and composition
• Each art project includes a 2-page lesson plan, step-by-step drawing handout, visual and written demonstration slides, student example artwork, assessment rubric, student reflection worksheet, artist statement template and bulletin board sign

HOW TO USE IT

Introduce the concepts with the video or the slide deck, then print the student handouts, rubrics and guides. Project the step-by-step visuals or use them for live demos as you guide the class through each lesson.

Use the bulletin board signs to display finished work for Meet the Teacher Night, art shows or open house.

FAQ

What grade levels is it for?

Upper elementary and middle school, grades 4 to 8. It is scaffolded to build on foundational art knowledge, with age-appropriate techniques, vocabulary and projects.

Can the projects use different mediums?

Each lesson has directions and visual steps based on specific materials. Some flexibility is possible, but the projects are designed around those mediums for the best results.

Is it good for Meet the Teacher or open house displays?

Yes. The bulletin board signs and finished artwork make a strong display of the learning in your room.

ALL TEACHER REVIEWS

★★★★ “I am new to teaching art, but this helped me with my 6th-grade students. Everything was organized, and my 6th graders loved doing these projects!” Hannah P.

★★★★ “My kids loved using this, super easy to follow lesson plans and engaging lessons.” Melissa K.

★★★ “Great resource! I used it with my grade 4s and they really enjoyed using it!” Meray M.

★★★★ “I have used other resources created by Ms Artastic, so I know that this will be great when I use it next year. Thank you!” Jessica K.

★★★★ “Great resource that helped us with our Wayne Thiebaud cakes and desserts assignment!” Alex F.

★★★★ “This has helped me teach shape and form to my students with ease. Thank you!” Tamara K.

★★★★ “The step-by-step instructions are wonderful for my third grade art students. They are loving these projects after learning about shape and form.” Megan D.

★★★★ “Great resource!” MacKenzie T.

★★★★ “This was an amazing set of activities! The kids loved it!” Create My Life

Get free, classroom-ready art lessons and printables in my Free Art Lesson Library.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist who has been featured on NBC LX News and designs art lessons for kids and educational resources for teachers. She is the founder of Ms Artastic and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.

TERMS OF USE

Images and lessons are copyright products.

YOU MAY: use this resource in your classroom and purchase additional licenses for school-wide use.

YOU MAY NOT: share, sell or distribute it to other teachers or districts, upload it to public websites or blogs, or use it on OutSchool.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic