Title

Bacteria Lesson

Lesson Week
#1 - Discussion / Research
#2 - Creating Bacteria
#3 - Activity

Standards

#1 :
- 4PE Connect selected ideas, concepts and processes used in visual art with those used
in other academic disciplines.
#2 :
- 1PR Demonstrate technical skill and craftsmanship in the use of materials, tools and
technology to solve an artistic problem.
- 3PR Generate ideas and engage in thoughtful planning when solving a visual art
problem.
#3
- 1RE Explain what makes an object a work of art using a range of criteria.

Essential Questions
How can artists be inspired by research? What does size say about our art work? How can
sculptures be crafted on a small scale? How do my choices in design impact my miniature
sculpture? How can an artist show craftsmanship on a small scale?
I can statements:
L#1:
- I can research germs and create plan to design my own germ.
L#2:
- I can develop a miniature sculpture to represent my germ on my preservation sheet.
- I can reproduce my miniature sculpture at least 5 times to participate in the activity.
L#3:
- I can participate in “science fair” and discover new things to consider while developing
germ sculptures.
- I can participate in the group “infection” activity.

Central Focus
Students recently completed a moderate scale sculpture crafted out of paper mache. Students
are in a position to examine the difference between producing a large scale sculpture compared
to a small scale sculpture. Students will analyze the different approach in developing a smaller
sculpture compared to a larger one and will exhibit their abilities involving fine motor skills.
Students will be able to reflect on the influence of size of an artwork involving 3D art and how it
impacts approach design and craftsmanship. Students will also apply outside research from
scientists who generate and take photos of bacteria and viruses to inspire their work. Students
will consider in their design how their germ moves, spreads, and infects it host and can relate it
to their research. After students develop their germs and experience the process of reproduction
they will participate in a critique to compare their approach to fellow classmates called “science
fair”. Here they will examine each others miniature sculptures and designs and observe how
different artists come up with different solutions to similar topics. Students will then participate in
an activity that examines how germs are spread and use their additionally produced pieces for
the “infection” activity.

Vocab
Miniature Sculpture
Reproduction
Germ
Virus
Inspiration
Shape
Line
Form
Function

Material

L#1
- Powerpoint, Laptops, Research sheet
L#2
- Preservation sheet, pipe cleaners, wire, beads, string, found objects, pencil, hot glue
L#3
- Science fair sheet, completed preservation sheet, reproduced germs for passing activity

Steps (Start, Do, Finish)

L#1
Start: Students enter classroom. Teacher presents on bacteria/viruses and relates it to art via
artists on powerpoint and description of project. Teacher prompts students to research 3
different bacteria/viruses and document their findings. Students are then to design 3 types of
germs on the back of their worksheet to begin considering how they will produce a miniature
sculpture of their desired infection.
Do: Students research viruses/bacteria and document their findings. They then use what they
find to inspire their work as they develop 3 potential designs for the bacteria project.
Finish: Students share interesting things they discovered about bacteria and viruses with the
class.

L#2
Start: Teacher has demo on how to create a miniature sculpture using the material available.
They also demonstrate how to attach finished piece to preservation worksheet using hot glue.
Teacher reviews hot glue safety. Teacher expresses students are to reproduce the sculpture 5
more times once their initial sculpture is completed for the second activity. Teacher cautions
students about wasting material and emphasizes the importance of only using what you need
and not being destructive of material.
Do: Student retrieve research papers from bin. Students retrieve needed material to produce
germs. Students work to complete first germ and reproductions. Students are to attach germ
sculpture to preservation sheet and fill out details about their germ.
Finish: Students clean up work space and return unused material to appropriate places.
Students return research, preservation sheet, and additional germs to art bin when completed.
Students who finish early: Students who finish early will be given a handout that guides them to
design how they would contain or spread the germ they designed.

L#3
Start: Students are instructed to retrieve their germs and preservation sheets from their bins.
They are to place the preservation sheets at the back table for the “science fair” activity.
Reproduced germs are to be set on back table for second activity.

Do: Students will aide in pushing three tables together to participate in “infection” activity.
Teacher explains activity of passing when the teacher says “spread” in the written story.
Students will see how rapidly germs can spread through this activity and understand the
importance of hand washing. Students will be able to keep the germs they were infected with for
“science fair” activity. Students will move tables back and preservation sheets will be distributed
around the room. Students will have the opportunity to discover the germ they were infected
with. Students will also consider the questions “How do different artists approach creating
miniature sculptures?” “What differences do you notice about the germs created?”. Once
completed students will return to seats and share during a classroom discussion what they were
infected with and what they noticed about the different designs of germs.

Finish: Teacher collects preservation sheets. Students return germs they don’t want to keep to a
supply container.

Assessment
L#1
Students complete research and predesign sheet displaying understanding of project
components and inspiration in designs crafted.

L#2
Students produce a germ and complete a preservation worksheet to attach their project to.
Students will reproduce the germ 5 times and be checked off.
L#3
Students participate in infection and science fair activity. Students submit research and
preservation sheet for final assessment.

Reflection: