Principles of art: scale
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I understand what scale is and how it can affect an artwork.
Key learning points
- Scale is the relative size of an object or artwork in relation to its surroundings and to itself.
- Artists can use scale to create drama or tension, or to emphasise a point.
- Scale can be used to manipulate how the viewer interacts with the work.
- Artists can use small components to create enormous art works.
Keywords
Scale - how big or small something is in relation to the things around it and itself
Photomontage - an artwork made by combining different photographs into a single composition
Audience - the viewers who engage with a piece of artwork
Diorama - a three-dimensional miniature model or scene
Common misconception
Scale means size.
Scale is specifically about relative size.
Teacher tip
This lesson could be completed digitally or extended using cameras to alter scale by adapting the depth of the object in relation to the lens.
Equipment
Magazines or images, A4 paper, scissors, glue, ruler, pencil.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does "composition" refer to in art?
Q2.Match the term with its description.
gluing materials together
3D artwork
size of one part compared to another
Q3.What kind of art form is described as three-dimensional?
Q4.Collage describes ...
Q5.Which of the following are elements of art?
Q6.What impact can art have on those viewing it?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does "scale" mean in art?
Q2.Which of the following best describes a diorama?
Q3.How can artists use scale to create a strong feeling in their audience?
Q4.What role does the "audience" play in art?
Q5.Match the term with its description.
relative size of one element compared to itself or its surroundings
combining photographs creatively usually through collage
a small-scale model of a scene in three-dimensions
Q6.Arrange these statements to show the process and effect of using scale in art.
To help you plan your 9 art and design lesson on: Principles of art: scale, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 art and design lesson on: Principles of art: scale, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 art and design lessons from the The principles of art unit, dive into the full secondary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.