• STEM Art 1 – Syllabus

    Mr. Sanchez 

    Course Description:

     

     

    The STEM visual arts program offers students a comprehensive art experience with detailed explorations of traditional art-making practices such as painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, and sculpture.  Each student will investigate a wide range of media and techniques, from both a historical and contemporary perspective, as they engage in the art-making processes of creating two/three-dimensional works. 

    Course Expectations: STEM Arts 1 Grade: 6th/7th/8th

    Students in the STEM ART 1 class are expected to develop art skills by 

    1. Investigating a wide range of media used in the construction of artworks, 

    2. Acquiring knowledge of art history, 

    3. Understanding visual art aesthetics, 

    4. Be able to discuss art intelligently. 

    Students are expected to come to class prepared and ready to complete projects on time.  The course will require a sketchbook and the ability to document work (photographs) and upload them to Blackboard and a digital portfolio.  

    Textbooks:

    The instructor has provided important readings and resources within the body of the STEM Art 1 Blackboard pages, no physical textbook is required.  The instructor will conduct live demos, Blackboard assignments, and lectures daily.  

    Class Materials:

    All students will need the following materials DAILY:

    Sketchbooks:  Students are asked to use a sketchbook (No more than ten dollars max please). Sketchbooks will be checked regularly as the main source for students to work from during distance learning.  

    Below are a sample of the sketchbooks preferred for this course (Click on the logo to view the product):

                                     

    Writing Materials: 1 Pen (Black Ink), 1 Pencil (Number 2)



     

    Grading Plan:

    • Each student is required to create and maintain a physical and digital portfolio consisting of the assignments and projects completed during the course. All student work must be added to the portfolio unless otherwise noted by the instructor.

    • There will be vocabulary exams during the year to check for understanding of the art vernacular.

    • Each student will participate in several individual projects/small group activities/critiques.

    Course Topics

    The course will cover the following topics: 

    • Elements of art

    • Line

    • Shape

    • Form

    • Space

    • Color

    • Texture

    • Value

    • Principles of design

    • Balance

    • Composition 

    • Emphasis

    • Harmony

    • Movement

    • Rhythm

    • Pattern

    • Proportion

    • Art History

    Grading Scale:
    • Observation 15%
    • Daily work (all project materials) 15%
    • Classwork/Homework 15%
    • Projects 20%
    • Exams 20%
    • Quizzes 15%

     

    Course Policies:

    Student Work:

    To be successful in the STEM Arts Course, you will be required to:

    • All students will be expected to complete assignments during class time regularly. 

    • All students are expected to read class materials, think critically, and write effectively. 

    • Students are expected to use complete sentences, proper grammar, and correct spelling in every written performance.  

    • All student work is expected to be original, with NO REPRODUCTIONS, and NO FALSIFIED SUBMISSIONS (do not take an image from a website or anyone else and claim it as your own, that would fall under plagiarism and I will refer you to the section below).  

    • The student must have documentation of progress (student photographing work in progress at different stages, sketches, and research).

    Statement for Academic Dishonesty:

    Academic honesty is expected in this class. Cheating will not be tolerated. Consequences will include:

    • Reduction in grade on the assignment, repeat the assignment, no grade on an assignment, or others as deemed appropriate. 

    • Academic dishonesty will be reported to a school counselor and a parent will be notified.



    Portfolio:

    Each student will be expected to maintain a neatly organized portfolio for the duration of the class. The portfolio will be filled with work the student has created that reflects their mastery of course objectives. The teacher will give the students regular guidance on how to construct and maintain their portfolios.

     

    Group Activities:

    On occasion, students will work in groups. The student group will be given cooperative learning activities to complete. Each student will be expected to be an active member of the group and involvement/production points will be assessed accordingly. Each student will always be graded individually; however, their group may earn points together, which will lead to a reward.




    Absences:  

    If a student is absent for any reason, whether excused or unexcused, it is the responsibility of the student to initiate receiving missed instruction and/or assignments.  All assignments are posted on  Blackboard under the tab. IF YOU ARE ABSENT, please follow the directions to receive credit for your work.  

    If an assignment is not turned in on the assigned due date and at the assigned time, it is considered late.  The penalty for submitting an assignment late is a 20% reduction in the grade with an additional 10% every day the assignment is not turned in.  All late assignments and makeup work must be submitted to the Late Work form.  If the Late Work Form is not filled out, then makeup work or late work will not be graded. This form is located on Blackboard.

     

    DUE DATE & LATE POLICY

    The due date is the time all work in class will be stopped. Some assignments will have a longer time frame to complete but on average you will have three weeks to complete your work. Tutorial time has been afforded to all students to meet the project window, please take advantage of this if necessary.  

    Class Guidelines for Success:

    • Arrive on time for class.

    • Be prepared for class – bring your sketchbook, pencils, etc. to class every day.

    • Listen to and follow directions – ask questions (click on the raise your hand option).

    • Respect! Be respectful to the teacher, your classmates, and yourself.

    • No food is allowed in class (in class).

    • No talking, distractions, or walking around during lectures.

    • You must always participate in class, with no exceptions.

    • Students are expected to be in their seats/work area and prepared for class at the assigned class start time.  Being prepared for class means having all the materials, portfolios, sketchbooks, pens, etc. out and ready.

    • Pay attention. Talking while the instructor is instructing or while other students are presenting will not be permitted.

    • Dress appropriately, the art room will require aprons from time to time.

    • Work in an area free from distractions if at all possible.

    • Listen to the first-time directions given.  If things are not clear you may ask for advice.

    • Students will stay in their seats at all times unless otherwise directed by the teacher.

    • The phrase “I don’t know” is never an acceptable answer.

    • No Horseplay.

    • Use all tools safely and correctly.

    • Use your time wisely – stay on task and work towards project and assignment objectives.

    • Work quietly – use appropriate language and have appropriate conversations.

    • Be responsible for the work area and tools – clean up after yourself!  Please wipe down your work area before class has ended.

    • Have a positive attitude – you CAN do it!

    If you CHOOSE not to follow the guidelines:

    Referral 1 – The teacher and student will discuss the choices or behaviors that are disruptive, inappropriate, or unacceptable

    Referral 2 –Continued disruptive, inappropriate, or unacceptable choices or behaviors will result in parents being informed of the situation and consequences

    Referral 3 – Continued disruptive, inappropriate, or unacceptable choices or behaviors will result in a parent conference being requested and appropriate consequences

     

    School Phone: 210-356-1001

    School e-mail: gsanch1@neisd.net

    I am looking forward to a great semester!