For their final Design Technology unit of the year, the grade 7's have been learning about creating and preserving natural habitats to promote a positive wildlife presence around Ridley. Both classes were lucky to have a guest from the school come in to talk about all of the insects, wildlife and plants we have on campus. Mr. Chris Clarke takes care of the outside of Ridley College and is very informed about preservation and beneficial insects and animals. Literally, the students had to learn about the birds and the bees and how important they are to our ecosystem. As spring is in full bloom we are able to see these creatures hard at work. As a first project, we created wooden bird feeders (these are actually more useful in winter as food isn't as readily available as in spring) but they were fun to make either way. Students were given three sizes of wood and made most of the cuts themselves. They learned to use coping saws, scroll saws, drill press, various sanding machines, files, nails and glue. I think they are looking great and don't know too many birds who wouldn't be attracted to their bright colours! To see the final products check out our artsonia gallery!
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The grade 8's have been working on products designed for kids. As a woodworking project they created working gumball machines featuring bright colours, characters and designs. They loved this project and learned some new skills using machines like the scroll saw, coping saw, drill press and lots of sanding. Some students even managed to create trays for the candy to fall into and some great changes to the standard box shape! They are finishing up in the next week and images will be posted to our artsonia gallery! As always, please leave comments on your favourites! These great pieces will also be on display at our annual art festival held May 30th from 2-4pm, looking forward to seeing/meeting parents there! Mrs. Aulds Example Students in grade 7 are building on their graphic design skills by using Adobe Illustrator. We have been practicing making our own brushes, which is really easy, and the products are great. The brushes can be made really simple or really complex. After a brush is made it is applied to another shape (circle, square, or even a line). Students will be compiling what they have learned so far to create an abstract illustrator composition. The grade 8's have been learning about typography and fonts. This assignment was a great way to get them thinking about designing their own letter. I got the idea from blick art - they called them 3D Architectural Letters. We basically used old matboard pieces and small disposable cups in between two layers of the same shape. We tried two different processes - one where students used gummed tape, like in the photo to the left and others went straight to newsprint and art paste. I like how the tape dries really hard, but not how it warps and bubbles. Cool idea, not that easy to use. We will be applying a layer of white acrylic as a primer and students will make their own design to complete the look. Watch for the final product in a week or so..... I have had a lot of questions about our art program at Ridley, and most often it has to do with the separation between art class and DT class. In our art classes we focus on the fundamental elements (line, colour, shape, form, texture, space) and how to use them to make visual pieces that have a connection to art history and a personal message. Design Technology is focused on using information, materials and systems to solve a problem. Intermediate grades are using a Combined Technology program that uses the design cycle and combines knowledge, skills and techniques of both computer and design technology in the generation of products/solutions to perform a task or meet a need. Students will explore graphic design, redesign of products and experimentation.
MYP technology aspires to develop creative problem solvers who are caring and responsible individuals, able to respond critically and resourcefully to the demands of the increasingly technological society and to appreciate the importance of technology for life, society and the environment. Although there are some distinct differences, there are also many instances where they overlap each other. Either way - thinking creatively is key. |
about me
Ashley Auld is the grade 7&8 art + design teacher at Ridley College in St.Catharines, Ont. Before taking her position at Ridley she was the owner and lead artist of TCS art studio where she ran full year programs for preK to adult. Always looking to connect learning & technology this site is devoted to showcasing how fun art at Ridley can be! Archives
September 2013
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