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      Scrap fabric microrganism collage

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can create a fabric collage inspired by a petri dish.

      Key learning points

      1. Artists might use the colours and textures that they observe in a subject.
      2. Artists might use a dark background to provide contrast to the bright colours of their main subject.
      3. Different types of fabric can be combined in an artwork to create different colours or textures.

      Keywords

      • Colour palette - the group of colours you choose for your artwork

      • Texture - the feel or appearance of a surface

      • Background - everything that is behind the main image, or images, in an artwork

      Common misconception

      The fabric colour palette selected should precisely match the colours present in the petri dish.

      Remind children that artists might choose to take inspiration from a similar colour palette of fabrics, rather than those that match exactly.

      Teacher tip

      After children have completed thier artwork, it could be photographed or photocopied for thier sketchbook.

      Equipment

      fabric scraps, cardboard circles or paper plates, PVA glue, glue spreaders

      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

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      A mixed media artwork ...

      uses paint, such as watercolour.
      uses lots of different colours.
      Correct answer: uses more than one material in the same artwork.
      uses glitter and glue.

      Q2.
      What is the first step in creating a tonal collage?

      mixing all the materials together
      Correct answer: selecting your materials
      adding paint to the background
      drawing with a pencil

      Q3.
      What could an artist use to make the main part of the microorganism darker?

      rubber
      paper
      Correct answer: charcoal
      mud

      Q4.
      What might an artist use to add highlights to darker collage paper?

      Correct answer: white chalk
      glitter
      rubber
      black paint

      Q5.
      How are collages made?

      by painting everything with one colour
      Correct answer: by layering materials on a surface
      by using only digital tools
      by drawing with pencils only

      Q6.
      Order the steps to create a tonal collage.

      1 - Gather a range of collage materials.
      2 - Rip or cut your darkest tones.
      3 - Create the shapes that you see for your mid tones.
      4 - Add your lightest tones.

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      A colour palette is one colour you choose for your artwork.

      True
      Correct answer: False

      Q2.
      Texture is the or appearance of a surface.

      smell
      Correct answer: feel
      size
      height

      Q3.
      In a piece of artwork, what do we call everything that is behind the main image or subject?

      foreground
      texture
      Correct answer: background
      pattern

      Q4.
      What is a tint in art?

      a colour made by adding black
      Correct answer: a colour made by adding white
      a pattern made with lines
      a colour that has lots of texture

      Q5.
      What is a shade in art?

      a colour with a pattern
      a colour that feels rough
      Correct answer: a colour made by adding black
      a colour made by adding white

      Q6.
      How do you create a fabric collage? Put these steps in order.

      1 - Cut out a circle of cardboard.
      2 - Glue a dark material to the cardboard for the background.
      3 - Cut and glue flat shapes.
      4 - Roll and glue fabric to make three dimensional shapes.
      5 - Use string, wool of thread for different textures.

      To help you plan your 4 art and design lesson on: Scrap fabric microrganism collage, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...