Lesson Plan
Paper Power! Pop-Up Art
Students will be able to create a simple pop-up design using paper, demonstrating an understanding of basic cutting and folding techniques to achieve a 3D effect.
Understanding how to manipulate paper into 3D forms boosts creativity, develops fine motor skills, and introduces fundamental concepts of engineering and design. It's a fun way for students to see their ideas literally jump off the page!
Audience
3rd Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Hands-on creation with guided steps and visual examples.
Materials
White construction paper (1 per student), Colored construction paper (various colors, 1-2 sheets per student), Scissors (1 per student), Glue sticks (1 per student or shared), Crayons, markers, or colored pencils, Paper Power Slide Deck, Warm-Up: Pop-Up Prediction, Pop-Up Challenge Activity, and Cool-Down: My Pop-Up Story
Prep
Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the Paper Power Slide Deck and practice making a basic pop-up to ensure familiarity with the steps.
- Gather all necessary materials: white and colored construction paper, scissors, glue sticks, and drawing supplies.
- Print copies of any visual aids or examples if not using the slide deck.
- Ensure each student has a workspace clear enough for cutting and gluing.
Step 1
Warm-Up: Pop-Up Prediction
5 minutes
- Begin with the Warm-Up: Pop-Up Prediction to get students thinking about 3D.
2. Ask students: "What makes something 'pop-up'? How do you think we can make paper stand up or 'pop' out?"
3. Discuss their ideas briefly, focusing on the concepts of folding and cutting.
Step 2
Introduction to Pop-Up Art
5 minutes
- Use the Paper Power Slide Deck to introduce pop-up art.
2. Show examples of simple pop-up designs and explain that today they will make their own.
3. Demonstrate the basic steps: folding a paper in half, making two parallel cuts on the fold, pushing the cut section forward to create a 'tab', and then folding the main paper closed.
Step 3
Pop-Up Challenge Activity
15 minutes
- Distribute white construction paper, scissors, and drawing supplies.
2. Guide students through the steps to create a simple pop-up tab on their white paper (as demonstrated in the introduction and reinforced by the Pop-Up Challenge Activity).
3. Once the basic pop-up structure is made, instruct students to draw a character or object that will 'pop up' on their tab.
4. Provide colored construction paper and glue sticks. Students can cut out additional shapes or details from colored paper to glue onto their pop-up character or the background of their white paper.
5. Circulate and provide individual assistance as needed, encouraging creativity and problem-solving.
Step 4
Cool-Down: My Pop-Up Story
5 minutes
- Have students share their pop-up creations with a partner or the class, explaining what they made and how it 'pops'.
2. Conclude with the Cool-Down: My Pop-Up Story, asking students to reflect on the process and what they learned.
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Slide Deck
Paper Power! Pop-Up Art
Get ready to make your art JUMP off the page!
Welcome students and introduce the exciting world of pop-up art! Get them curious.
What is Pop-Up Art?
- Art that comes off the page!
- Creates a 3D effect
- Makes your artwork exciting and surprising!
Ask students what they think pop-up art is. Show some simple examples if you have any physical ones, or just let them imagine.
Look! It's Popping Up!
Imagine a card where a cake pops out, or a book where a dragon leaps off the page! What could you make pop up?
Briefly show these examples. Explain that even simple pop-ups can be amazing.
Your First Pop-Up: The Basics
- Fold a piece of paper in half.
- Make two small, parallel cuts on the folded edge.
- Gently push the cut section forward from the inside.
- Close the paper and crease the new 'tab'.
- Open it up! You made a pop-up tab!
This is the most important demonstration slide. Walk through each step clearly and slowly. Have a pre-folded example to show the final 'tab' structure. Reinforce safety with scissors.
Design Your Pop-Up World!
What will pop up from your paper?
- A funny monster?
- Your favorite animal?
- A secret message?
Draw your pop-up creation on the tab and decorate your background!
Explain that now it's their turn to be creative. They'll draw something on the tab and decorate around it.
Time to Create!
Use your:
- Scissors
- Glue sticks
- Crayons, markers, colored pencils
- Colored paper
Be creative!
Remind them of the materials available and encourage them to be imaginative with colors and details. Circulate and assist.
Pop-Up Parade!
Share your amazing pop-up art with a classmate!
- What did you make pop up?
- What was your favorite part of creating it?
- What challenged you?
Ask students to show off their work. Encourage positive feedback and observations about different designs.
Amazing Artists!
You are all incredible pop-up artists! Keep creating!
Conclude by praising their effort and creativity. Remind them that art is all about exploring new ways to express themselves.
Warm Up
Pop-Up Prediction
Think about your favorite books or greeting cards. Have you ever seen something amazing pop out when you open them?
- Describe a time you saw something pop out of a book or card. What was it? How did it make you feel?
- How do you think artists and engineers make things pop up from a flat piece of paper? What do you think are the 'secrets' to making something 3D?
Activity
Pop-Up Challenge: Make Your Art Jump!
Goal: Create a pop-up piece of art that makes a character or object come to life!
Materials You'll Need:
- White construction paper (1 sheet)
- Colored construction paper scraps
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Crayons, markers, or colored pencils
Instructions:
-
Fold it! Take your white construction paper and fold it neatly in half, like a greeting card.
-
Cut it! With the folded edge facing you, use your scissors to make two small, parallel cuts along the fold. Make sure the cuts are not too long (about 1-2 inches) and are about 1 inch apart.
Think of it like cutting two small lines for a door on the fold.
-
Push it! Open your paper. Now, gently push the section you just cut forward from the inside. This will create a little rectangular tab that pops out when the card is opened, and folds flat when it's closed.
This is your pop-up stage! Make sure it creases well when you close the card.
-
Draw it! On the pop-up tab you just created, draw a character, animal, or object. This will be the main star of your pop-up art!
-
Decorate it! Use your crayons, markers, or colored pencils to color your pop-up character and draw a background on the rest of your white paper. What is your character doing? Where are they?
-
Add details! If you want, use colored construction paper scraps to cut out additional shapes (like hats, trees, clouds, or other friends) and glue them onto your pop-up character or your background to make your scene even more exciting!
When you're done, share your amazing pop-up creation with a classmate!
Cool Down
My Pop-Up Story: Reflection
Now that you've created your amazing pop-up art, let's think about what you learned and how you felt!
- What did you choose to make pop up in your artwork? Tell us a little about your creation!
- What was the most interesting or fun part of making your pop-up art?
- What was a challenge you faced while making your pop-up? How did you solve it or what did you learn from it?
- If you were to make another pop-up, what would you do differently or what new idea would you try?