Simple Machines Complex Minds

The 1st graders at Evergreen will be learning about Simple Machines this year.  Simple machines are those that do not have motors and use force to move something-think gears, wheels, levers,etc.
I came across this blog post: http://thomaselementaryart.blogspot.com/2013/04/3rd-grade-machine-brains.html and was inspired by the 3rd grade project "Machine Brains".  
I adapted this project for the 1st graders and so far am extremely pleased.  The students are really getting into this!

This video is a great example for the students to see the force and movement with in a simple machine network. Students love it, they laugh, they ooooh, they ahhhh.  

After showing the students this video, I explained the project which I call SIMPLE MACHINES, COMPLEX MINDS
I talked to the students about how complex and intricate their minds and thoughts are.  They are such a great group of 1st graders, they are so creative and smart.
To begin, the students each select one of three templates of a profile that they feel looks most like them.  Then, they pair up with a partner and take turns holding the template while the other traces.  Then, they must make at least one modification to the profile to look more like them (change hair, nose, chin, etc).

Then students must begin by drawing a light bulb which symbolizes a thought or an idea.  From there, they must design or invent a network of simple machines visually representing how a thought might be processed in their complex minds.  For one class, I had them use pencil for their drawings, then later go back with black crayon and trace their drawings.  For the second class, I had them use sharpies right away.  I wanted to see which would yield the best results.  

As for process, the students were all VERY engaged in and excited about this project so far.  They all developed very imaginative networks of simple machines and were really pumped to share this with other students and with myself.  Below are images taken on/after day two of this project.

Next week, the students will use Neon Watercolors to create vivid paintings and then cut out the profiles and glue onto a dark background colored paper.

Below are two finished examples:

1st grade: Simple Machines, Complex Minds Lesson 

Overview:
1st grade
2-3 days
The students will draw a profile of a person and fill the space with a network of simple machines.  After drawing, will outline with crayon and then paint with watercolor.
Learning Outcomes:
The learner will be able to recognize and draw a variety of simple machines
The learner will use pencil, crayon and watercolor to create a colorful artwork.
NC Essential Standards:
1.V.1.2 Create original art that expresses ideas, themes, and events.
1.V.1.3 Recognize that symbols, subjects, or themes are used in the works of others to communicate.
1.V.1.4 Understand characteristics of the Elements of Art, including lines, shapes, colors, textures, form, and space.
1.V.2.3 Create art from imaginary sources of inspiration
1.V.3.2 Execute control of a variety of media.
1.V.3 Create art using a variety of tools, media, and processes, safely and appropriately.
1.V.3.3 Use the processes of drawing, painting, weaving, printing, stitchery, collage, mixed media, sculpture, and ceramics to create art.
1.CX.2.2 Identify connections between art and concepts from other disciplines, such as math, science, language arts, social studies, and other arts.
Materials:

• Images for inspiration and reference
  
• 12” x 18” white paper, pencils, profile portrait templates, crayon, watercolor, paintbrush, scissors, glue 
  

Art Vocabulary:

• Profile, Portrait
  
• Shape, Color, Movement/Rhythm
  
• Simple machines 

Interdisciplinary Concepts:
Simple Machines