Lesson Plan: Creating Resin Charms
Subject: Art
Topic: Resin Charms
Duration: 30 Minutes
Objective
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Understand the basics of resin casting and safety procedures.
- Create their own resin charms using molds and various embellishments.
- Demonstrate creativity by designing a unique charm.
Materials Needed
- Epoxy resin (two-part resin)
- Resin molds (various shapes)
- Stir sticks
- Disposable cups (for mixing resin)
- Gloves
- Safety goggles
- Color pigments or dyes
- Glitter and small embellishments (e.g., beads, dried flowers)
- Toothpicks or small tools for detail work
- Paper towels
- Cardstock or a protective surface
Standards Alignment
This lesson aligns with the following National Visual Arts Standards:
- Creating: The student demonstrates the ability to organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
- Responding: The student analyzes, interprets, and makes judgments about artworks.
- Connecting: The student relates artistic ideas and work with personal meaning and external context.
Lesson Outline
Introduction (5 Minutes)
- Begin with a brief introduction to what resin is and its uses in art.
- Show examples of resin charms and discuss different techniques (e.g., using mold shapes, incorporating pigments, and adding embellishments).
- Emphasize safety precautions when working with resin.
Demonstration (10 Minutes)
- Safety First: Remind students to wear gloves and goggles.
- Mixing the Resin:
- Pour equal parts of resin and hardener into a disposable cup.
- Use a stir stick to mix thoroughly for about 3-5 minutes; ensure there are no air bubbles.
- Adding Color and Glitter:
- Add color pigments and glitter to the mixed resin, stirring gently.
- Pouring into Molds:
- Demonstrate how to pour the resin mixture into the molds carefully.
- Show how to add embellishments (e.g., beads or flowers) if desired, using a toothpick for placement.
Student Activity (10 Minutes)
- Distribute materials to students, guiding them to:
- Mix their resin following the demonstrated steps.
- Choose molds and add their unique designs with colors and embellishments.
- Pour their mixtures into the molds, ensuring they follow proper safety and handling procedures.
Wrap-Up (5 Minutes)
- Discuss the importance of patience while waiting for the resin to cure (usually 24 hours).
- Remind students to clean their workspaces and dispose of materials properly.
- Encourage students to think about what designs they may want to make in the future.
Assessment
Observe students during the activity:
- Were they able to follow safety procedures?
- Did they mix and pour the resin correctly?
- How creative were their designs?
- Engage students in a quick reflection on what they learned about resin and its creative possibilities.
Cleanup
- Assist students in cleaning up their areas.
- Collect any unused materials and dispose of waste properly.
Reflection
- After the lesson, reflect on the process:
- What worked well?
- What could be improved for future lessons?
- Did students demonstrate engagement and creativity?
This lesson plan introduces students to the exciting world of resin art, blending creativity with practical skills in a short, engaging format.