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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can create my own drawing machine using a variety of objects.

      Key learning points

      1. Artists can create marks holding a drawing tool, but they can also use objects and movement to create marks instead.
      2. A drawing machine works by moving in different ways to make lines, shapes and marks with moving objects.
      3. Artists might experiment with how the movement of the drawing machine creates different marks or patterns on the page.

      Keywords

      • Movement - movement is when you make something go from one place to another

      • Object - an object is anything you can see or touch, like a toy, a book, or a ball

      • Drawing machine - a tool or device that helps make marks by moving in different ways

      Common misconception

      Artists have to hold a drawing tool with their hands to make marks.

      Remind children that artists can make marks by holding a drawing tool but they can also make marks without directly touching the drawing tool.

      Teacher tip

      For Task A the bouncy ball could be swapped for another object. Water can also be added to the paint to make it easier for the objects to move through.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      A is a tool, like a small frame, that helps you focus on and choose what part of a scene you want to look at.

      pattern
      artwork
      Correct answer: viewfinder

      Q2.
      Artists do not always have to use their hands to make marks.

      Correct answer: True
      False

      Q3.
      What word do we use to describe all the materials an artist uses to make art?

      colour
      Correct answer: media
      shape
      texture

      Q4.
      What media does this image show?

      An image in a quiz
      pencil
      Correct answer: ink
      charcoal

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the following is true?

      Artists always use their hands to make marks.
      Correct answer: Artists do not have to use their hands to make marks.
      Artists can only use their hands to make marks.
      Artists never use their hands to make marks.

      Q2.
      Which of the following are drawing tools?

      Correct answer: a stick
      Correct answer: elastic bands
      Correct answer: a feather

      Q3.
      Which object has been used to make these marks with the ink?

      An image in a quiz
      a cup
      Correct answer: a straw
      a pencil

      Q4.
      Match these keywords to their definition.

      Correct Answer:movement,when you make your something go from one place to another

      when you make your something go from one place to another

      Correct Answer:drawing machine,a tool or device that helps make marks by moving in different ways

      a tool or device that helps make marks by moving in different ways

      Correct Answer:object,anything you can see or touch, like a toy, a book, or a ball

      anything you can see or touch, like a toy, a book, or a ball


      To help you plan your 1 art and design lesson on: Building drawing machines, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...