Moving Lines (3rd grade)

Moving Line Project

 "How to make a line move?"... is the question that third grade students were asked.


We discussed vertical, horizontal and wavy lines.  Vertical lines seem tall and strong.  Horizontal lines in a work of art seem placid or calm.  While wavy and diagonal lines show movement.

Students in third grade drew diagonal lines across their 8 1/2" X 12" paper and colored inside those lines using various colors of markers.








Supplies Needed:

1. One sheet of white construction paper, 9"x12"
2. One sheet of black construction paper, 12"x18"
3. Ruler
4. Pencil and eraser
5. Markers, assorted colors
6. Glue sticks

Then students used a ruler as a measurement tool to mark of every 1/2" across their paper.  After measuring students were able to connect those lines with the straight edge of the ruler.  We numbered using a pencil the sections from 1-24.  

Reese is working on her measurements.

Zander and Sky tracing straight lines using a ruler.

Paige is cutting out each vertical line.

Even with costumes on, we work hard in art.

The lines are starting to move!

From straight diagonal lines to curves!

"I love how this looks!" she says.

Hawkeye colors!

Students were then asked to cut on all twenty-three lines working on their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

 Once all lines were cut-out, students were asked to create two piles.  In one pile students had their #1-12 strips and the second pile had #13-24.  We all started with number 12!

Ms. Victoria helping Amanda on her project.

There are lots of steps for this project, but they loved the final design

We glued number twelve down like a horizontal line across the paper.  Then we went backwards, using number 11 next down through number 1.  Each strip that was glued down had to have one side overlap and the other side a finger space between.

"This is a lot like a puzzle!" they said.

Counting backwards...12, 11, 10, 9 and 8.

The finished projects showed how straight lines can bend and move by slowly altering their placement on the black paper.  One side always overlapped and the other always had a finger width space between showing the black paper underneath.  This is the first time I've ever taught this lesson to third grade students.  It was challenging with the measurement but the final projects were all unique and beautiful.

Luke is carefully adding glue to each strip of numbered paper.

Cooper's top half is complete and it looks like a fan!

Kevin has a great design through her "Moving Line" project.

Grace is laying out her pieces in number order.

Ashton, Avery and Angel have the hang of making the lines move.

Ours have a "rainbow" pattern!

Ms. Victoria helping her 3rd graders.

Finished project by a 3rd grader.

The lines curve on this piece one direction.

Curves are found going both ways in this 3rd grade project.

Brooke is using the cool colors in her project.

It's like putting a puzzle together to make art!

This takes time and patience!

A rainbow of color!