
Grades 9-12 Advanced Art
Web Quest Created by Bonita Weaver and Cindy Blackmon
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Art plays an important role in preserving cultural aspects of a society. Throughout this Web Quest you will explore the arts and crafts of Morocco and design a Sun-Catcher that expresses your perception of an original Moroccan design through stained glass.
The following links are provided to gain an understanding of Moroccan history, culture, and art.
You will create a stained glass Sun-Catcher based on an original Moroccan design. You will prepare for the project by researching traditional Moroccan designs found in textiles, ceramics, furniture, and other arts and crafts. Based on your research, you will adapt a design to create a sun-catcher. As you modify the original design and create a sun-catcher, you will create sketches and take notes based on your ideas and problem areas. Finally, you will write a paper explaining the choices you made and problems encountered in selecting, modifying, and executing the pattern to create your final Sun-Catcher in stained glass.
The 3 key aspects of this project are Preparation, Reflection, and the Finished Product.
1. Look through the resource links below to see a variety of Moroccan designs in textiles, ceramics, furniture, and other art forms.
2. Select an original Moroccan design that interests you- Print the design (be sure to include a web address).
3. Sketch the design onto paper.
4. Adapt original sketch into a simplified design. To see pictures of the stained glass process click here.
5. When you have modified your design, create a pattern (6x6 inches +) that you will use to create your sun-catcher.
6. Create a copy of the pattern. Number one copy and create a key out of the other pattern for reference when assembling your sun-catcher.
7. Select colors and glass styles to be used. Be sure there is enough glass for your project.
8. Cut apart the numbered pattern.
9. Using the pattern pieces, cut the stained glass. Tape the pattern piece to the corresponding piece of glass for easy assembly later.
10. When all pieces have been cut, apply copper tape to the edges of the glass. Be sure to press the tape firmly to the glass.
11. Using a paint brush, apply the flux to the copper tape.
12. Lay the pieces out to form the design.
13. Use push pins to secure the pieces together while soldering.
14. Be sure to include 1-2 loops at the top for hanging.
Always wear gloves when handling glass and eye protection when cutting class or soldering.
Skills Involved:
Creating a Pattern from an Original Moroccan Design
Glass Cutting and Safety
Soldering
Materials List:
Sketches Pattern Glass Glass Cutters Pliers
Eye Protection Copper Tape Push Pins Scrap Wood Soldering Gun
Solder Wire Gloves Flux Paint Brushes
Although the following links are web sites designed for commercial use, they show great examples of Moroccan arts and crafts.
| Arts and Crafts from Morocco to view lamps, ceramics, and carpets |
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| Carpets of Rabat to view photos of carpets | |
| Carpets and More to view carpets and lanterns | |
| Islamic Stained Glass to view examples and learn history | |
| Textile Designs to view traditional designs | |
| Glazed Ceramic Designs to view handmade cement tiles |
A 4-point Rubric is used to evaluate the 3 key aspects of this project: Preparation, Reflection, and Finished Product.
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Beginning 1 |
Developing 2 |
Accomplished 3 |
Exemplary 4 |
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| Preparation: Sketches, Notes, and Final Pattern for Sun Catcher based on Original Moroccan Design | Poorly executed or showing little attention to the original design. Lacking notes. | Begins to formulate ideas based on original design. Very few notes. | Good attention to original design details. Choices have been thought out and noted. | Excellent details. Choices are extremely well thought out and noted. |
| Reflection: Paper explaining the choices made in Selecting, Modifying, and Executing the Design | Poorly organized paper. Lacks details and explanations. | Loose organization of paper. Beginning to include details and explanations. Spelling and grammatical errors hurt the effectiveness of the paper. | Well organized ideas supported by specific examples and details. Minimal spelling and grammatical errors. | Well organized and written paper. Examples are creative and specific. No errors. |
| Finished Product: Sun-Catcher | Incomplete or very poorly assembled. | Rough assembly. Not aesthetically pleasing. | Good craftsmanship and symmetry of overall shape. | Excellent craftsmanship. Overall shape is symmetrical. |
After completing your Moroccan Sun-Catcher you will have a greater understanding and appreciation of Moroccan art and the techniques involved with creating designs in glass. You will also have a unique handmade Sun-Catcher that you can enjoy for years to come.