"The No Tape Challenge" in 2nd Grade Art

The second graders began the new year in the art room with the unveiling of a new sculpture station that is available to them during independent choice time. At this station, students are invited to create three-dimensional artworks using recyclable materials such as cardboard pieces, card stock, plastic pieces, spools and other odds-and-ends. The second graders were introduced to a variety of tools with which to create their sculptures including staplers, cardboard cutters, awls, hand-drills and hole-punchers. The second graders were then presented with a new design challenge: to make a three-dimensional sculpture using the tools and materials provided but with no tape!

The second graders were given some ideas about how to securely attach materials, like creating a slot, using a brad or pipe cleaner through holes to create a wheel or hinge, or creating a flange. The students quickly set to work dreaming up new creations and bringing them to life. Some artists had a clear idea in their head before they started and set about systematically gathering supplies, while others generated ideas as they experimented with the materials. As they practiced using the new tools, they improved their techniques and were soon sharing ideas and advice with each other. Some students chose to take their sculptures to other stations to add paint, marker or colored paper to add details to their pieces.

 

The second grade artists generated a remarkable range of sculptures including a model playground with a merry-go-round, a box with a closing lid, a camping scene, a finger puppet, a puppet with moving arms and legs, a sarcophagus, a clock and a tent.

Design challenges like the "No Tape Challenge," help students explore ideas, engage with materials in a new way, problem solve and be inventive in developing new techniques. When students are invited to find their own way of doing something, they take more ownership in their work and have authentic learning experiences.