STEAM LESSON
Watercolor Illusions
GRADES 8-9
Science and Art
45 Minutes
MATERIALS LIST:
- White paper
- Oil Pastels
- Research: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0042698901001055
- Computer/Internet
- Cartography article: https:// link.springer.com/chapter/ 10.1007/0-387-28898-8_19
- Examples of old maps
Lesson Overview:
How do artists use optical illusions?
LESSON PROCESS
Step 1: Review the research on the Watercolor Illusion here: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0042698901001055
Step 2: Experiment by creating several different lines in a dark color and then flanking it with a slightly darker color on a white piece of paper. Does it make it look like the inside between the lines makes a different color? Use different lines, spaces and background colors to vary the experiment.
Step 3: Explore a variety of old maps and cartography that used purple and orange to delineate geographical areas. Create your own map using this technique.
ASSESSMENT:
CHECKLIST
Formative: Checklist for a watercolor illusion map.