Fifth Grade Positive Negative Collages

Fifth Grade Artists are studying positive shape and negative space with these collages.  First, we connected to mathematics, and talked about types of transformations, such as rotation, reflection, and translation.  I demonstrated cutting out a shape, and students agreed that it was  an example of reflection.  We then discussed the criteria: using some geometric and free form shapes, and creating at least two "double shapes" that would show reflection twice. 

The cutting is tricky, because student had to really concentrate on only cutting around the edge of their shape, so that the negative space left is an exact mirror of the shape that was cut out.  The contrast of black against the color background is really pleasing on these.  Thanks to the website Arts in Education for the great lesson plan!

See the finished works here at our online art museum on Artsonia!

http://www.artsonia.com/museum/gallery.asp?exhibit=874407