Rochambeau Middle School

Art Technology is employing a “pixels and pencils” approach, students learn to integrate modern digital media (cameras and computers) with conventional visual methods (drawing, painting, collage) to create powerful, personal expressions.

In 6th grade we develop our skills and understandings using the tools and terminology of visual communications and digital literacy. Projects include practicing observational and team drawing, composing construction paper collages, creating an issue poster using MS Paint, photographing a portrait and manipulating it using both watercolor and Photoshop software and imaging a digital print and writing of a remembered moment.

In 7th grade, we more deeply explore the uses of technology to enhance our ability to visually communicate.  Projects include observational drawing, painting a watercolor landscape, interpreting the artwork of the Hudson River School, using green screen and Photoshop software to place oneself in a fantasy landscape, taking superior digital photographs and exploring the fundamentals of analog and digital animation.

8th grade offers a sculpture elective.  Students are challenged to make sculptures – personal expressions in three dimensions. They explore, using new language and tools, the opportunities and responsibilities of creating objects which have to “stand up for themselves.” As individuals and in teams, students discover the possibilities of paper, clay, cardboard, wood, tin foil, aluminum, wire, plastercraft, paper mache and natural materials in making art. They construct tiny sculptures and ones that are larger than life!  Sculpture provides a semester-long adventure building “really cool stuff.”