Mapmaking 2.1: MS & Upper Elementary

 Hi everyone,

The UE and MS art classes went very well today! The two classes did completely different things, so feel free to just read what’s applicable.

In the MS class, we started by describing what drafting is. The purpose is to take a 3D object (or an idea of an object) and create a 2D rendering in such great detail and with such accurate description that someone could create the object just by looking at the drawing. We looked briefly at the technical drawing alphabet, and the strokes used to write when drafting. This is not rocket science, so we didn’t spend much time on it (but the kids did practice writing throughout the class, using my handout as a reference). After talking about the alphabet, we talked about the four major lines we’ll se using during the class. Then we got to the fun part of the class - creating multi-view drawings using orthographic projections. In drafting, a typical multi-view drawing shows top, front, and (if necessary) side of an object. I demonstrated a simple staircase made of blocks and a block with holes drilled into them, and showed them how to use the different lines to create a multi-view drawing of the objects. Then everyone got to choose two objects to draft multi-view drawings of, and also label as “Top, Front, Side.” Overall, nobody had any issues “seeing” the objects as orthographic projection, which can take practice. They did a great job, and it was fun. There’s no official homework, but they could certainly practice writing the letters and drawing the different types of lines by using simple objects at home.

The UE class started mapmaking today. Over the quarter, we’re mostly going to focus on drawing things in proportion and to scale. I showed the kids a line drawing of a cartoon hippo, which had a 4x3 grid superimposed on it. Each column had a letter name (A, B, C, D) and each row had a number name (1, 2, 3). So each box had an alphanumeric name (ex. B3). I showed them that when you focus on each box individually (rather than trying to draw the hippo in broad strokes), you can create a proportional drawing that is quite accurate to the original. So the kids got to practice the hippos and then chose from an assortment of other line drawings to practice this. After a while, it was hard to remember to focus on squares, and easy to devolve into trying to copy the pictures as whole objects. Melissa had a good idea for a project to keep them focused on individual squares, and I’m going to try it next week! After copying the line drawings, I showed the kids a fairy tale map book and we identified a few of the major features and their grid squares. I used this info to create a simple key for the map. Then the kids broke up into small groups. I used masking tape to create 4x4 grids on the tables and each group used Duplo and train tracks to create a town on their tape grid. Each town had to have a train track that went through at least five squares, at least 3 structures, and a bridge. Then they had to create a grid map of the town on paper, and note the major structures on a key. Overall, the kids did a great job with each task! And their line drawings and maps looked wonderful. I may send out an email requesting some simple supplies from home next week.

I didn’t get any pics of the MS kids, but did get some good ones of the UE kids. Enjoy! 

Have a great week,

Sarah B.