FREE Teacher Planner - All Online Orders Over $499

Super Paint Sale - All 500ml is $4.99 Shop Now

Black Friday - Earn Triple Zart Rewards Points on Every Online Purchase.

Construction Insects

In this lesson students will explore the shapes and symmetry of insects before creating their own paper constructed insect using ink and paint markers. Students will explore and miss inks on mineral paper and allow this to dry. They will then fold and cut the paper to create a symmetrical insect shape and construct a 3D form.

Lesson 1

Begin by discussing the project and showing the example insect collage. Explain the use of mineral paper for this project and its properties, emphasizing how it does not absorb ink, allowing for blending and marbling effects.
Allow students to experiment with primary colour drawing ink to create coloured papers. Encourage them to explore techniques like wet-on-wet painting.

Lesson 2

Provide images of insects as inspiration and discuss the concept of symmetry in insects. Students fold the coloured papers in half and draw half an insect on one side. They cut along the lines to create symmetrical insect pieces. Discuss layering and how to arrange the insect parts for the final collage. Students can then use paint markers to add details and patterns to their insects.

Provide paper straws and discuss how they will be used as a base for the insect. Instruct students to apply Supertac to the mineral paper and attach their insect pieces. Gently attach the insect to the straw, considering the presentation. Allow time for drying and suggest folding the insect to maintain its shape as it dries.

Reflection: 

Students can analyse how symmetry has been created in their work. They can also compare the effect of working on mineral paper with inks compared to cartridge paper.

Extension: 

Encourage students to explore different insect species and create a series of insect collages. Students can also link this lesson to science by researching various insect forms.

Resource Download

What you'll need