New
New
Year 9

Principles of art: scale

I understand what scale is and how it can affect an artwork.

New
New
Year 9

Principles of art: scale

I understand what scale is and how it can affect an artwork.

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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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. Scale is the relative size of an object or artwork in relation to its surroundings and to itself.
  2. Artists can use scale to create drama or tension, or to emphasise a point.
  3. Scale can be used to manipulate how the viewer interacts with the work.
  4. 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.


To help you plan your year 9 art and design lesson on: Principles of art: scale, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Magazines or images, A4 paper, scissors, glue, ruler, pencil.

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

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What does "composition" refer to in art?
the choice of colours
Correct answer: how the elements are arranged
texture feel
material choice
Q2.
Match the term with its description.
Correct Answer:collage,gluing materials together

gluing materials together

Correct Answer:sculpture,3D artwork

3D artwork

Correct Answer:proportion,size of one part compared to another

size of one part compared to another

Q3.
What kind of art form is described as three-dimensional?
painting
photography
Correct answer: sculpture
collage
Q4.
Collage describes ...
Correct answer: gluing materials together to form images or designs.
attaching 3D objects together.
a place you go to study after your A-levels.
Q5.
Which of the following are elements of art?
Correct answer: line
Correct answer: tone
Correct answer: shape
size
material
Q6.
What impact can art have on those viewing it?
Correct answer: It can evoke strong emotions like fear or happiness.
Correct answer: It can make them feel empathy.
Correct answer: It can make people feel part of something like a community.

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What does "scale" mean in art?
emotional impact
Correct answer: size in relation to its surroundings
use of colour
material choice
Q2.
Which of the following best describes a diorama?
a large-scale mural
Correct answer: a small-scale, 3D model of a scene
a photo collage
a painting of a landscape
Q3.
How can artists use scale to create a strong feeling in their audience?
by using muted colours
Correct answer: by increasing the size of certain elements
by limiting the materials used
by following traditional styles
Q4.
What role does the "audience" play in art?
They create the artwork.
Correct answer: They interpret and engage with the artwork.
They dictate the materials used.
They influence the artist's style.
Q5.
Match the term with its description.
Correct Answer:scale,relative size of one element compared to itself or its surroundings

relative size of one element compared to itself or its surroundings

Correct Answer:photomontage,combining photographs creatively usually through collage

combining photographs creatively usually through collage

Correct Answer:diorama,a small-scale model of a scene in three-dimensions

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.
1 - The artist considers how they can apply the principles of design.
2 - The artist chooses to use scale.
3 - The artist alters the scale intentionally.
4 - The audience view the artwork.
5 - The audience feels a strong emotional response.

Additional material

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