An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interaction between the natural world (physical and biological) and human societies; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment.
Central Idea: Individual expression develops from engaging with the joy of creativity.
Learner Profile:
- Risk-taker
- Communicator
- Open minded
Lines of Inquiry:
An inquiry into:
- Dimensions of creativity
- Role of the audience in creativity
- Personal interpretation of expression
Concepts:
- Form
- Connection
- Perspective
Provocation 1: Performances
Learners created skits in groups with props provided, they could do a fractured fairy tale or something their group made up together.
3/4 Learners reflected after their performances…
- Projecting your voice is important to keep your audience engaged.
- Comedy helps to entertain the audience.
- When the audience cannot see the performance, they are not entertained.
- Different voices to mimic characters are important to add entertainment value.
- Creating a new ending to a well-known fairytale make for entertainment.
- The costumes add a character's spirit, so you know what they looked like.
- A hook is important for entertainment.
- When a teammate was stuck for a line, another teammate jumped in to say something.
Provocation 2: Puppet Show & Creative Workshops Incursion
Learners were given insights about the operations of various puppets. Rod puppet, string puppet, glove puppet, hand puppet, finger puppet, marionette puppet, shadow puppet. Imagination, movement, sound and eye focus. Use these four things to turn anything into a puppet.
Provocation Reflections: Learners completed a reflection after the Puppet Show and participating in the Workshop. Learners were able to articulate methods used to entertain the audience. Learners chose five major learnings, many indicated the importance of voice projection, sound effects, body movement and language, and using humour to engage the audience.
Breaking Open the Central Idea: Learners took the central idea and put it into their own words using synonyms.
Tuning In: We looked at how facial expressions convey emotions.
Learners brainstormed and investigated all the different ways we show creativity.
Forms of Creativity
Learners explored various forms of creativity and developed a sample of creativity. Learners then had to reflect on their work and describe how and why it was a form creativity.
Behind the News (BTN) Observations: We watched BTN and made observations on expression, camera angles, visual media and tone of voice. Learners then chose a story from the episode and made a part 2, an interview, a re-enactment or something of their choice. Learners focused on reflecting on what they see within their teammates’ presentations.
Learners watched various clips on people showing their talents and creativity to entertain an audience. While watching the clips learners took notes on how they were hooked in, what elements of creativity was used and any other noticings. They made some great noticings in their expression, facial and voice, camera angles, body position, music that was used to enhance a performance. Learners were then in pairs and wrote a short story. All short stories were put into a hat and teams had to pick a short story and act it out without using words only expressions and actions. Learners then had to guess what they were doing. We looked at how photography, dance, art and music all entertain and use stories to create emotion with their audience.
Learners made a Personal Inquiry into a form of art that makes them feel something. They unpacked what the form of creativity? How does it make connections to the audience? Does the audience have a role in the performance? If so what? How does it make you feel? Why?
Inquiry into Photography: Learners explored photography as a form of creativity. Learners looked at a variety of creative photographs and investigated how/why these were engaging. Learners took their own creative photographs, incorporating the elements of different angles, light, space, colour and background.
Inquiry into Comics: Learners discussed how humour can create be using to create compelling and dramatic stories. Writing humorously can keep the reader (the audience) interested and engaged. Learners anaylsed different examples of comic strips. Learners considered dialogue, imagery, illustrated and text.
When Music Tells A Story…. Learners viewed two video clips from past Wakakirri performances. We discussed and responded to the following questions: What was the story about? What are the performers trying to teach the audience? What creative elements were used in this performance?
Inquiry into Persuasive Advertising: Learners watched persuasive television commercials and discussed what made these clips effective. Learned viewed samples of persuasive print advertisements from well-known brands (McDonalds, Coca-Cola, Nike, Starbucks etc.). Learners discussed the creative elements that made these ads convincing to buy the product or to do / try something. We also investigated brand recognition, slogans and logos in advertising. Learners created their own persuasive advertisement.
Creative Painting & Sketching: Learners were provided with multiple stimulus and textures to develop their own creative painting or sketch. Learners reflected on their peers' creations and describing what they think the form is and how the artwork makes them feel when they view it.
Creative Pieces: Learners chose a form of creativity to make. We had cooking, sketching, dancing, creative writing, puppetry, comics, painting and more! Learners reflected and gave feedback with an assigned buddy in their Buddy Booklets.
Learners completed an Artist Statement to accompany their creative piece.
Student Voice:
You don’t have to just paint or draw to be creative, you can be creative in all aspects of your life. I have learnt how to engage my audience with something they can relate to. (Freya H)
Creativity is not limited. (William H)
You don’t need a pen, pencil or paper to be creative, all you need is your imagination. (Elliot V B)
You can be creative in many different ways. (Libby F)
I enjoyed the assessment because I got to create a piece on the piano. It was challenging and rewarding. (Izzy M)
I liked the choice in our assessment as it allowed all of us to explore our talents in a creative way. (Dan S)
I learnt how to draw music notes accurately and precisely. (Claire T)
I loved the assessment because I really enjoyed the puppet show so it gave me a chance to make my own puppets while using different voices. (Abbie B)
The audience plays the role of adding a new element to your creative piece such as involving them before during and later. (Robert S)
Showcase of Learning: Learners had the opportunity to share their creative pieces and celebrate their learning with parents and other students. Learners were very proud to share their creative work, artist statements and reflections.