Sculptures That Move
Lessons 1-7:
Kinetic Sculptures
using physics to create sculptures that move
Grade Level Focus: 4th/5th Grade
School: Barack Obama School of Leadership and STEM
Teaching Artists: Niema Qureshi, Neal Vandenberg, Alana Ferguson
Classroom Teachers: Francesca Wessely, Paul Capps
Materials: materials: Paper, pencil, crayons, paint, markers, scissors, colored pencils, glue/glue sticks, cardboard, construction paper, ramps, string, tubes, sculpture materials, various objects that can cause movement, such as motors/batteries, fans, water, videotape equipment (optional), etc.
Lessons: 7
Unit: Sculptures That Move
Summary
Observe the work of kinetic sculpture artists to inform the design, creation and presentation of kinetic sculptures.
Lesson Sequence
Lesson 1-2: Observe work of kinetic sculpture artists, such as Alexander Calder, Theo Jansen, or Jean Tiguely. Begin designs.
Lesson 3-5: Create and test sculptures.
Lessons 6-7: Curate and present kinetic sculptures.
Next Generation Science Standards
4-PS3-2
4-PS3-3
4-PS3-4
5-PS2-1
3-5-ETS1-1
3-5-ETS1-2
3-5-ETS1-3
National Visual Arts StandardsCREATING
Anchor Standard 1: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work. VA:Cr1.1.4a, VA:Cr1.1.5a
Anchor Standard 2: Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
VA:Cr2.1.4a, VA:Cr2.1.5a,
VA:Cr221.4a, VA:Cr2.2.5a
Anchor Standard 3: Refine and complete artistic work.
VA:Cr3.1.4a, VA:Cr3.1.5a
PRESENTING
Anchor Standard 5: Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
VA:Pr5.1.4a, VA:Pr5.1.5a
RESPONDING
Anchor Standard 7: Perceive and analyze artistic work.VA:Re.7.1.4a, VA:Re.7.1.5a
Artist Connections
Zimoun
Steve Gerberich
Gary Justis
Raul Walch
Dannielle Tegeder
Arthur Ganson
Treadmillguy
Janet Echelman
Shannon Eakins
Mika Rottenberg
Matthew Steinke
Harry Bertoia
The Vape
Peter Blasser
Hans Peter Feldman
Cameron Robbins
Michael Heizer
Additional Resources Sculptures that Move Number Stories
Lesson Sequence
Lesson 1-2: Observe work of kinetic sculpture artists, such as Alexander Calder, Theo Jansen, or Jean Tiguely. Begin designs.
Lesson 3-5: Create and test sculptures.
Lessons 6-7: Curate and present kinetic sculptures.
4-PS3-2
4-PS3-3
4-PS3-4
5-PS2-1
3-5-ETS1-1
3-5-ETS1-2
3-5-ETS1-3
National Visual Arts StandardsCREATING
Anchor Standard 1: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work. VA:Cr1.1.4a, VA:Cr1.1.5a
Anchor Standard 2: Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
VA:Cr2.1.4a, VA:Cr2.1.5a,
VA:Cr221.4a, VA:Cr2.2.5a
Anchor Standard 3: Refine and complete artistic work.
VA:Cr3.1.4a, VA:Cr3.1.5a
PRESENTING
Anchor Standard 5: Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
VA:Pr5.1.4a, VA:Pr5.1.5a
RESPONDING
Anchor Standard 7: Perceive and analyze artistic work.VA:Re.7.1.4a, VA:Re.7.1.5a
Artist Connections
Alexander Calder - opening scene
Tinguely@Tinguely
Strandbeest
Theo Jansenn
Theo Jansenn
Zimoun
Steve Gerberich
Gary Justis
Raul Walch
Dannielle Tegeder
Arthur Ganson
Treadmillguy
Janet Echelman
Shannon Eakins
Mika Rottenberg
Matthew Steinke
Harry Bertoia
The Vape
Peter Blasser
Hans Peter Feldman
Cameron Robbins
Michael Heizer
Additional Resources Sculptures that Move Number Stories
Work Examples:
Lesson 1-2: Observe Kinetic Artists & Begin Designs
![observing Theo Jansen]()
![observing Alexander Calder]()
![design challenge prompt]()
![brainstorming]()
![design prompt]()
![design prompt]()
![drawing designs]()
![designing marble track]()
![]()
![design informed by materials]()
![kinetic sculpture reflection challenge]()
![testing wind-powered sculpture]()
![first steps of balancing sculpture]()
![testing more complex balancing]()
![testing pendulum]()
![adding color to mobile kinetic sculpture]()
![writing artist statement]()
![writing artist statement]()
![marble track kinetic sculpture]()
![kinetic sculpture that spins]()
![presenting large marble track sculpture]()
![mobile kinetic sculpture]()
![kinetic sculpture that balances]()
![kinetic sculptures that rolls]()
Lesson 1-2: Observe Kinetic Artists & Begin Designs
Lesson 3-5: Create & Test Sculptures
Lesson 6-7: Curate & Present Kinetic Sculptures
