New
New
Year 8

Responding to organic forms with card, papers and modroc

I can construct a recycled materials and modroc sculpture inspired by natural forms.

New
New
Year 8

Responding to organic forms with card, papers and modroc

I can construct a recycled materials and modroc sculpture inspired by natural forms.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Artists turn to nature to find shapes, textures, and colours which could inspire sculptural forms
  2. By experimenting with various materials, like clay, paper, or fabrics, we can create unique shapes and forms
  3. We can use sculptural features and designs to express culture, history and emotions

Keywords

  • Construction - the process of building or assembling materials to create a structure

  • Form - a three-dimensional shape that has height, width, and depth, like a cube or sphere

  • Freestanding - a structure that stays upright without support from walls or other objects

Common misconception

Aritsts can only take direct inspiration from nature, copying it exactly.

Artists have always taken inspiration from nature and can use this as a starting point to develop into complex works.


To help you plan your year 8 art and design lesson on: Responding to organic forms with card, papers and modroc, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

The additional materials contains further information and detail about the artists suggested in the deck. Be mindful that some studnets may have skin sensitivity to modroc, gloves may be useful to have on hand.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Modrock, water, rope, plastic bottles, roll tubes, cardboard, newspaper and masking tape. Optional: paint, brushes etc

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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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6 Questions

Q1.
What does "biomorphic" mean in art and design?
Copied from other artists
Inspired by machines
Correct answer: Inspired by nature and living forms
Only used in painting
Q2.
A sculpture must have good so it doesn’t fall over.
Correct Answer: balance
Q3.
What is the purpose of a “flange” in sculpture building?
An image in a quiz
To decorate the surface
Correct answer: To help join two parts together
To make it heavier
To stop it from drying
Q4.
Paper mâché is made by layering paper and .
Correct Answer: glue, paste
Q5.
Match the keyword to its meaning:
Correct Answer:Organic forms,Natural shapes like plants or shells

Natural shapes like plants or shells

Correct Answer:Balance,Even weight or structure in a sculpture

Even weight or structure in a sculpture

Correct Answer:Flange,An edge used to join or support parts

An edge used to join or support parts

Q6.
Which of these is most likely to be used to create organic-looking sculptures?
Graph paper
Correct answer: Modroc, card, and paper
Spray paint
Rulers and stencils

6 Questions

Q1.
What does "freestanding" mean in sculpture?
Attached to a wall
Built with glue only
Correct answer: Can stand without support
Made of soft materials
Q2.
Artists often use forms to express emotions and ideas inspired by nature.
Correct Answer: biomorphic, organic, natural
Q3.
Why might an artist sketch before building a sculpture?
To copy other artists
Correct answer: To design ideas
To practise drawing
To test their pencils
Q4.
Match the keyword to its definition:
Correct Answer:Construction,Building or assembling materials

Building or assembling materials

Correct Answer:Form,A 3D shape with height, width, and depth

A 3D shape with height, width, and depth

Correct Answer:Freestanding ,Stays upright without outside support

Stays upright without outside support

Q5.
Artists often look to for ideas about shapes, textures, and colours.
Correct Answer: nature, organic forms, natural world
Q6.
Put these steps for working with modroc into the correct order:
1 - cut modroc into strips
2 - dip each strip in warm water briefly
3 - place over your sculpture base
4 - overlap strips to build strength
5 - smooth the surface
6 - let it dry fully overnight

Additional material

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