My students need 80 rolls of duct tape-I have 175 students!-to create custom wallets and purses, roses and funky wearables like jewelry, flip flops, ties and suspenders!
Albert Einstein said, "Logic will get you from A to B; imagination will take you everywhere." Truly without creative minds we have nothing! Knowledge allows us to know "what is" but imagination asks "what if?" and inspires change and invention. My students imagine, invent, and soar with duct tape!
The middle school where I teach is a gifted magnet known for its ethnic diversity and strong academic profile.
My students are smart, engaged and eager to dive in to my hands on art projects that give them an opportunity to design, build and create-not just draw and paint!
My arts classroom includes Gifted, English as a Second Language Learners, and special needs children with a variety of learning disabilities. I love that we all make art together in (mostly!) harmony and happiness. These young people may have different needs, challenges, and personal histories, yet the arts enable them to share a common thread, as they discover the magic and delight of making something beautiful and useful with their own hands.
My Project
I have requested 80 rolls of colorful/patterned duct tape for my five Art classes of about 36 students each. The most beloved activity they will do with the tape is to make duct tape wallets with pockets and personalized decorative details. But students also create an advanced project of their own choosing. Past designs have included a wearable vest made from One Direction duct tape, a backpack from paint splatter duct tape, and a Super Mario inspired purse in neon green, black and white! Students have even created Pop Art inspired duct tape creations like a seaweed wrapped sushi set and french fries and a cheeseburger! Honestly, I am in awe of their creations! While projects are entirely crafted from duct tape, for advanced projects, students first create a 3-dimensional model/pattern out of paper and masking tape. They learn that art making and design is a process and that their hard work can produce a functional work of art that truly expresses their personality and creativity.
Duct tape truly engages my students, making learning more meaningful and relevant in their lives.
Students who may think they have no real need for reading and math skills must access written directions and use a ruler for measuring tape. Suddenly, they become motivated to become agents of their own learning and more active participants in the classroom. Duct tape ignites a real passion and light for learning inside my students and I hope with all my heart to make this project happen for them!
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