Students learn about the ancient Mayan culture.

Students create paper-mache bowls in the Mayan style and design them with pattern using colored construction paper.

art paste
paper bowls and cups
masking tape
construction paper

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1.Introduce lesson about the history of Mayan art and show examples.

2.Students sketch and plan how they are going to tape and piece together the feet of their bowl and design their colors and patterns.

3. With a partner students paper-mache a large balloon using paper towels or newspaper with art paste or paper-mache strips. Paper-mache 3 layers or until it is strong enough depending on what you are using.

4. When dry teacher will use an exacto knife to cut balloon in half, each half going to a student.

5. Students tape paper cups to the bottom that will become the feet of the bowl.

6. Paper-mache the feet to the bowl and the lip of the bowl to smooth out the edges.

7. Paper-mache using ripped pieces of colored construction paper and art paste.

[5-8] Students select and use the qualities of structures and functions of art to improve communication of their ideas

[5-8] Students know and compare the characteristics of artworks in various eras and cultures

[5-8] Students describe and compare a variety of individual responses to their own artworks and to artworks from various eras and cultures

[5-8] Students analyze contemporary and historic meanings in specific artworks through cultural and aesthetic inquiry

Pre-Columbian

Shape, Form, Balance

Sculpture, Paper Mache

Geography, History/Social Studies