Discovering the Elements of Art and Principles of Design

Introduction

Title: Discovering the Elements of Art and Principles of Design

Target Learners: Grade 7
Subject: MAPEH – Arts / Visual Arts
Topic: Elements of Art and Principles of Design
Duration: 1–2 class sessions

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how artists use lines, shapes, colors, and other elements to create beautiful and meaningful artworks?

Art is everywhere around us—in posters, paintings, advertisements, and even the designs we see on social media. In this WebQuest, you will explore the elements of art and principles of design through online resources. You will discover how artists use these elements to communicate ideas and emotions.

Are you ready to become a young artist and designer? Let us explore the world of art!

Task

Your task is to become a young artist and create an original artwork using the elements of art and principles of design.

You will work individually or in small groups to research the different elements and principles, analyze an existing artwork, and apply what you have learned to your own design.

At the end of this activity, you will submit:

  1. A short research summary about the elements of art and principles of design.
  2. An analysis of one artwork using at least three elements of art and two principles of design.
  3. An original drawing, poster, or digital artwork that demonstrates your understanding of the topic.
  4. A short explanation of how you used the elements and principles in your artwork.
     

Process

Step 1: Explore the elements of art.

Visit the online resources provided by your teacher. Learn about the seven elements of art: line, shape, form, color, value, texture, and space. Write a short description of each element and identify examples you can see in everyday life.

Step 2: Discover the principles of design.

Research the principles of design, such as balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, and unity. Choose at least two principles and explain how artists use them to make their artworks more effective.

Step 3: Analyze an artwork.

Choose one painting, poster, or illustration from a reliable educational resource. Identify at least three elements of art and two principles of design used in the artwork. Explain how these choices help communicate the artist's message.

Step 4: Create your own artwork.

Create an original drawing, poster, or digital artwork about a topic you care about, such as nature, environmental protection, friendship, or your community. Apply at least three elements of art and two principles of design.

You may use traditional art materials or a digital design tool, depending on the resources available to you.

Step 5: Present and reflect.

Present your artwork to your classmates. Explain your chosen subject, the elements and principles you applied, and the message you want to communicate. After your presentation, write two or three sentences about what you learned from the activity.



Resources

Use the following online resources to complete your WebQuest:

  1. Tate – Art Terms: https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms
    Explore art vocabulary and concepts that can help you understand how artworks are made and interpreted.
  2. Getty Education: https://www.getty.edu/education/
    Explore educational resources about art, visual culture, and looking closely at artworks.
  3. National Gallery of Art – Learn: https://www.nga.gov/learn.html
    Discover artworks and learning resources that can help you analyze and appreciate visual art.
  4. Canva: https://www.canva.com/
    Use this tool to create a digital poster or design if you have access to a device and the internet.

Remember to identify the sources of information and images you use. Your artwork should be original, and any borrowed images or ideas should be properly credited.

Evaluation

Evaluation

Your work will be evaluated using the following rubric.

Criteria Points
Understanding of the elements of art and principles of design 25
Artwork analysis and explanation 20
Creativity and originality 25
Application of the elements and principles in the final artwork 20
Presentation and reflection 10
Total 100

Grading Scale

  • 90–100: Excellent – Demonstrates strong understanding, creativity, and effective application of art concepts.
  • 80–89: Very Good – Demonstrates good understanding and application, with minor areas for improvement.
  • 70–79: Satisfactory – Demonstrates basic understanding but needs further development.
  • Below 70: Needs Improvement – Demonstrates limited understanding and requires additional guidance.

Conclusion

Through this WebQuest, students will develop their creativity, critical thinking, and appreciation of visual arts. They will understand how artists use different elements and principles to communicate ideas and emotions through their artworks. They will also learn how to use online educational resources to improve their knowledge and artistic skills.

Credits

The following websites and educational resources were used as references in developing this WebQuest:

These resources provide information about visual arts, art appreciation, and digital design. All images, artworks, and other materials used by students must be properly credited to their original creators or sources.

WebQuest prepared by: Jhay Ar Evanchez

Teacher Page

Title: Discovering the Elements of Art and Principles of Design

Subject: MAPEH – Arts / Visual Arts

Grade Level: Grade 7

Time Allotment: 1–2 class sessions

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this WebQuest, students should be able to:

  1. Identify and describe the seven elements of art.
  2. Explain selected principles of design and their importance in creating visual artworks.
  3. Analyze an existing artwork by identifying its elements and principles.
  4. Create an original artwork using at least three elements of art and two principles of design.
  5. Demonstrate creativity, critical thinking, and responsible use of online resources.

Learning Approach:

This WebQuest uses inquiry-based learning, collaborative learning, and project-based learning. Students will explore online resources, analyze artworks, and apply their knowledge by creating an original visual output.

Materials Needed:

  • Computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access
  • Notebook or paper for research notes
  • Drawing materials such as pencils, coloring materials, and paper
  • Canva or another digital design application (optional)

Teacher's Role:

The teacher will guide students throughout the activity, provide the online resources, explain the instructions, monitor student progress, and assess the final outputs using the evaluation rubric. The teacher should also provide alternative printed resources for students who have limited internet access or devices.

Assessment:

Students will be assessed based on their understanding of art concepts, artwork analysis, creativity, application of the elements and principles of design, and presentation skills. The total score is 100 points.

Expected Learning Outcomes:

By completing this WebQuest, students are expected to understand the basic concepts of visual arts, develop their creativity and critical-thinking skills, and recognize how visual elements and design principles communicate ideas and emotions.

Teacher's Reflection:

After the activity, the teacher may reflect on the students' participation, understanding, creativity, and ability to use online resources. The teacher may also identify areas that need improvement and adjust future activities to better support students' learning needs.