3D Design: found materials
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create a sculpture using found materials that reflect a theme or concept.
Key learning points
- Found materials let artists explore new forms, textures and ideas not possible with traditional sculpture.
- Using found objects supports recycling, sustainability and an eco-friendly approach to making art.
- Found materials bring history and meaning, letting artists comment on culture, history, or social issues.
Keywords
Assemblage - a sculpture made by combining different found objects
Found materials - materials that have not been bought or created for the purpose of making art, but have been collected from more random sources
Collect - to gather and group objects that link to an idea or theme
Common misconception
Found materials are just junk and don’t belong in real artwork.
Found materials bring unique textures and personal or cultural meaning to a sculpture.
Teacher tip
Ask pupils to bring in a few found objects linked to a theme (e.g. memory, home, personal choice). Include one “surprise” object that doesn’t fit within the theme. This helps explore contrast, create unexpected links and develop understanding of how meaning shifts when objects are curated.
Equipment
Found materials collected by pupils, glue, tape, glue gun, wire, fabrics, card, papers, string, paints, printed images
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the 3D shape of an object called?
Q2.What is a container - something which holds or carries things - often called?
Q3.A is how a form is built and supported so it can exist.
Q4.What does papier-mâché layer over a mould or base?
Q5.Which artist created the 2012 artwork 'Skin’: a delicate paper vessel that emphasises texture, flow and repetition?
Q6.What should you cover your structure with before covering in papier-mâché?
To help you plan your 10 art and design lesson on: 3D Design: found materials, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 art and design lesson on: 3D Design: found materials, 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 4 art and design lessons from the 3D Design unit, dive into the full secondary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.