Kelly Narowitz art educator/artist
High School Abstract Video Project
Elements And Principles of Design
in 60 Seconds
Here are two examples used to illustrate the end result desired (and not desired) from this project.
An Example of What TO DO!
An Example of What NOT To Do!
Teaching Intern: Kelly Narowitz
School: Garden City High School
Grade Level: 11-12th
Content Area: Video Production
Title: Elements & Principles Abstract Video
Time Needed: 8 Days/Periods
Learners & Learning Environment:
Engaging Diverse Learners: The class is all teenagers with varying levels of knowledge in art and design. Some have had previous experience with video, some have had no experience. This lesson will connect with students by challenging them to think visually about media in a new and abstract way. They will also be challenged to work cooperatively in a group to come up with ideas and implement a plan of action.
Materials Needed: Video cameras, computers with imovie for editing, various materials to create abstract images; acetate, paint, colored paper, lights, etc.
Outcomes & Assessment:
Standards:
Standard 1: Intentionally use art materials and tools when applying techniques and skills to communicate ideas.
Standard 2: Apply organizational principles and methods to create innovative works of art and design products
Standard 5: Analyze the impact of visual culture on society.
Student Outcomes:
The student will utilize organizational skills of professional preproduction planning to plan their video shoot.
The student will create original works of art that use the medium of video to its fullest potential.
The student will produce, shoot, edit and put out a one minute video that portrays six different elements or principles of design.
The student will reflect and analyze their video in order to explain their purpose and goals, as well as speak to how they hoped their video would affect the audience.
Assessment: Students will fill out a self-assessment rubric/worksheet once their project is completed. They will turn it in with their work. I will assess the students use of materials and understanding of techniques as we work through the project, stopping and reiterating anything that has been misunderstood.
Evaluation: I will fill out a rubric to evaluate the student’s use of materials and fulfillment of project requirements. We will also do a critique to evaluate the student’s works as a class.
Instructional Practices:
Introduction:
Teaser/Hook: Not all videos tell a story, not all videos have people in them. Has anyone ever heard the term Art House Film or Abstract Film?
Stated Objective: (Day 1) You will be creating a 1 minute video that represents at least 6 elements and/or principles of design. This video should be abstract, which means you will be creating images with your camera.
Introduction: I will show examples of abstract video clips from movies such as 2001:A Space Odyssey and The Fall and lead a discussion to generate ideas on how to represent the elements and principles of design. We will talk about creating practical special effects as well. There will be a power point presentation on these ideas.
Motivation: Today you will begin planning out your video. Making a list of ideas is a good way to start. Storyboards will be helpful in planning out the type of shot you want. Creating a list of supplies, locations and other materials you will need is also helpful in planning your video. All this is called Pre-Production. Right now we are going to get in our groups and see if we can brain storm some ideas on how you might create some interesting abstract video clips. Groups will have 10mins to discuss and brain storm ideas. Then the class will share out their ideas.
Student Work Period: Students will work in their groups to begin planning their videos. I will walk around the room and support when needed and make announcements on proper practices and use of tools when I see fit.
This is a handout I designed to help the students brainstorm ideas. It can easily be adapted for other lessons too!
Below I have a great handout on writing Artist's Statements from theartofed.com
Instructional Procedures:
Stated Objective: (Day 2) Today you will be starting to shoot your video. It should take you about one class period to shoot 1-2 elements and/or principles that are going in your video. So plan on shooting for a least 3 days. You have about a week for this project. And remember everyone should take turns, directing and editing.
Student Work Period: Students will work independently in their video groups to shoot their videos. I will be available for questions and support. Periodically I will check in on each group.
Student Work Period: (Day 3 & 4) Students will work independently in their video groups to shoot their videos. I will be available for questions and support. Periodically I will check in on each group.
Stated Objective: (Day 5) You should be finishing up shooting your video soon. Today I am going to show you some editing techniques that will help with your final project.
Modeling: Imovie transitions and effects will be demonstrated with an emphasis on blending them with the footage shot so that they are using the most effective tools possible. For example: When editing you can match frame two shots so that they meld together to create a seamless transition. ALSO, each group is responsible for an artist’s statement explaining the ideas and goals of their video to those who are viewing it. A worksheet will be handed out to help them write this.
Student Work Period: (Day 6 & 7) Students will work independently in their video groups to shoot and edit their videos. I will be available for questions and support. Periodically I will check in on each group.
Technology:
Students will be working heavily with technology in this class. In the video section they will be working with imacs and imovie software, as well as handheld video cards with memory cards to store their video footage.
Closure:
Class Critique: (Day 8) We will watch each group’s video as a class. Each group will present an artist’s statement with their video explaining their goals and the ideas they represent in their video. Then each student will fill out a self evaluation and turn it in.
As this class is stacked with three groups that rotate (Illustrator, Photoshop and Video) all three classes may be presenting final projects at this time. They will all discuss their work in one way or another and they will all fill out self evaluations on this day.
References:
2001: Space Oddessy by Stanley Kubrick - clip utilized as an example.
The Fall by Tarsem - clip utilized as an example
Artist’s Statement Flow Chart - theartofed.com
Brainstorming Worksheet - designed by Ms. Narowitz
Professional Responsibility:
Teacher reflection found here:
Examples of Student Work
