Model Builders

With the changes in expression project structure this spring 8 students from different bands have grouped together to make models of places in San Francisco! During the brainstorm stage many students suggested building particular dioramas as a possible project. Each student joined the group with a solid idea of what building they wanted to create and the worked as a team to bring their ideas to life.

Week 1

Students began by sketching the dioramas they wanted to build and coming up with a cohesive group vision and plan. This included deciding how we would put the project all together and what everyone’s role would be. Some students decided to team up for their builds and others decided to plan a solo project. Soleil joined the project with an intention to make a map and the group loved how that element would help bring the structures all together.

Week 2

Students started their second iterations by noticing how the 3D shape of their building could be made as a flat net that folded into the 3D shape. Students practiced drawing their shapes on graph paper to explore how to ensure that the proportions didn’t change as they shrunk their building into model size. Students also did research to find deatailed plans or maps of their buildings to make sure they fully understood the porportions of their buildings.

Midweek we visited Malcolm Kenter’s studio to observe how the artist used accessible items to make detailed models. He introduced us the the idea of using shrinkydinks to add detailed lettering! We also had the chance to go to scrap and pick up reuse materials for our final builds.

Week 3

Students started the week by sharing out their second iterations and asking the group a few questions to guide the feedback they felt they needed before their next step. For example, Isaac wanted to know what kinds of details he should focus on for his Palace of Fine Arts build since his building was so detailed.

Now students are hard at work addressing that feedback as they build their final models for expo night. The models are getting even bigger, so students are coming up with strategies to stretch their work to a larger scale. Some students are getting ready to use an overhead projector. Other students are working with larger graph paper and multiplying their lengths.

Next week we will be continuing construction and beginning to add details.