Mixed Beasts

“Mixed Beasts”

Topic: Abobe Photoshop
Context: graphic design/technology instruction
Essential Question:
• How can you manipulate images with technology?
Goals:
• To show students how to modify images using Adobe Photoshop
Objectives
• Students will produce an image representing a “mixed beast” using two or more separate image files.

Assessment:
Class discussion, working files in home drive, completed image

Standards:
Information Literacy

Vermont Information Technology Standards
• 1.18 Students use computers, telecommunications, and other tools of technology to research, to gather information and ideas, and to represent information and ideas accurately and appropriately.
• 1.19.c. Conduct effective searches for information and ideas;
• 1.21 Students employ a variety of techniques to use simulations and to develop models.

Materials:

Adobe Photoshop
Mixed Beasts by Kenyon Cox
Purpose/Plan worksheet
Pencils
Google image search
Mixed Beasts rubric

Teaching/Learning Procedures and Activities

Introduction:
“Have you ever heard how people used to create “fantastic” animals to trick people [cite Ripley’s mermaid, two animals sewn together]? Kenyon Cox has imagined animals like the “bumblebeaver” or a “cream puffin” [read Mixed Beasts]

Mini Lesson:
“We’re going to be creating our own “mixed beasts” using Adobe Photoshop. First we’ll need to plan our project. Let’s draw up a list of possible “mixed beasts” and then search for appropriate images. Next, we’ll need to combine the images in Photoshop.”

Activity:
Day 1:
Discuss best search practices. Search Google Images for appropriate images using whiteboard.
Day 2:
Review layers, masking, and tools in Adobe Photoshop using whiteboard.
“Now let’s think of how to combine your images into a believable image”

Days 3-5
Students work in Adobe Photoshop to design, merge, and polish their “mixed beast” images.

Closing/Sharing:
“Let’s take a look at what beasts we have!”