After reading the book "Fish Eyes: a book you can count on," the first graders discussed the magnitude of different types of fish and underwater creatures and the different ways to draw them.  
We began this project with a long, thin piece of white paper.  The student each designed and drew one fish, at least as big as their hand.  Then, they had to attempt to draw the same fish, with the same shapes and lines, but in different sizes.  Each student had to draw at least four fish.
After having all of their fish drawn (some drew 4, some drew 10), they traced over their drawings with crayons.  
After using crayon to add underwater details such as seaweed, clam shells, and bubbles, using watercolor paints, the 1st graders painted in their fish with bright colors.  During the next class, they used cool colors to paint the background water.
The paintings turned out adorable and in the discussions and creation of the art, we talked about how to draw multiples of the same design, as well as warm and cool colors and appropriate use of supplies.

I was super excited about starting out the school year with this project with the 5th grade students.  I really love radial symmetry and I enjoy teaching it so was quite pleased when the 5th grade students seemed just as into it as I was.

To do this project, you begin with large square pieces of paper.  Fold in half, corner to corner.  Fold in half again, corner to corner, then one more time.  After you've folded it three times, you have a triangle.  On that triangle, you write your name in large bubble letters to fill the entire space.  Then you open the square back up partially and using a light table or sunlight on a window, trace the name drawing.  You continue to do this over and over until all of one side is filled with your name flipped and mirrored.  This creates a beautiful radial symmetry name mandala.

This project was mostly for an introduction to my art class and to learn their names, but we took a bit of time to discuss radial symmetry and how to create bold bubble letters.

After the names are all written with a Sharpie, the students painted in the 'background' with acrylic paint and then added color in the letters with colored pencils.  They were limited to four colors.

The results are amazing.  Each and every single name mandala turned out great.  It is really cool to put two different students with the same name next to each other.  There are two Isaac's, two Taylor's.  Even though they wrote the same name, they turned out totally different.

SUPER FUN PROJECT! 

Process:
1. Students observe plants and do contour line drawings of the plant.
2. Trace over line drawing with a  Sharpie to make a thick black line.
3. Layer cardboard, drawing, wax paper, white fabric.  Tape together.
4.  Use blue gel glue to trace over drawing onto fabric.
6.  Let dry COMPLETELY (overnight at least)
7.  Use watered down fabric paint to dye the fabric.  
8. Let dry COMPLETELY.
9. Remove fabric and soak in warm water 30 minutes or more.
10. Use your hands to rub the fabric together to remove the glue.  
11. Rinse well.
12.  Hang to dry.

VOILA!