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The Science Behind the Rainbow

Explore how colors exist in nature by studying the rainbow with a hands-on experiment, and then completing a masterpiece!
Gina McAndrew
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(19)
Class

What's included

1 live meeting
1 hrs 15 mins in-class hours

Class Experience

In this fun, introductory class on color, middle school students will learn about the colors of the rainbow, a brief history of the color wheel, and basic color terminology, so they can then apply that knowledge to create a colorful landscape!

We will start the class by looking at the order of the colors in the rainbow, how our eyes see the color, the three main color wheels, and color terminology. If we have a sunny day, even better!! To understand how color and light work, students will make their own spectroscopes out of items found around the house.

Finally, to apply what they learned, students will create colorful landscapes with oil pastels to remind them of these basic concepts. The class is designed to show the integration between science and art.

This is a hands-on, individually-based class with more emphasis on experimentation than interpersonal communication. I do like to encourage students in this type of kinetic project to compliment each other and to ask me a lot of questions so that they continue to be engaged. Time permitting, we will do a quick Kahoot, which is always a student favorite and a way for me to emphasize a reward for attentiveness and participation. Kahoot is a also a fun way for the kids to interact at the end of a lesson!

My in-person students know that a good understanding of color is foundational to all of art theory. My colleagues know that my core belief is for students to be able to apply the art concepts they have learned into practical skills. Color theory is one of the foundational, scientific truths in art and of course, my favorite art element!

Learning Goals

By the end of the session, students should have a basic understanding of colors and how our eyes work as a prism to see a multitude of colors. They will understand the effects of light on color and be able to translate that into a final masterpiece.
learning goal

Other Details

Parental Guidance
We will be working with scissors or a craft knife, as well as oil pastels (which can be messy). Parental guidance suggested depending on the student's age and/or abilities.
Supply List
Empty paper towel roll
Old CD
Pencil
Tape
Sharp scissors or craft knife
Cellophane tape 
Small piece of cardboard or heavy paper to fit on the end of the roll
12 x 12 Sheet of black card stock (An extra piece or two is always a good idea)
9 x 12 piece of white paper 
Basic set of oil pastels (Crayola brand is a good choice if you do not already have them)
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
  • Kahoot
Joined June, 2020
5.0
19reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Hello! I love to teach any type of class that is fun and creative, but I also like to be serious and show how to apply that creativity to life. I am an entrepreneur with an MBA, MS, and BFA that together emphasize arts, written communications, and business strategies. I believe that information is only useful if you know how to use it, so my classes emphasize going past the skills and using them as “super powers”! I have three grown daughters and a teenage son who were all homeschooled, and as a family we enjoy being loud and playing games. Our get-togethers are so crazy and loud, we could easily sell tickets for your evening entertainment!

I have spent the last 20 years starting up companies. I currently own and operate three entities: an in-person art studio, an art ministry that reaches out globally, and a mobile coffee shop. While my current businesses keep me occupied, they also keep me up-to-date on art trends and give me great insight into the needs and wants of the art community at large. My classes are based on my experience over the years, as well as having learned students’ favorite projects, media, and abilities.

I love to teach all ages and some of my art projects are adaptable to other age groups. So, if you see a class that you are interested in and need it for a different age group, please message me and we will work to set that up.

As I am fairly new to Outschool, I would be so grateful if you could leave me a review. Part of being an entrepreneur is being able to take constructive criticism, so if you knock off a star or two, please give me a specific reason so that I can adjust future classes. And of course, I LOVE when you post your student’s artwork!

See you in the classroom!

Reviews

Live One-Time Class
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$15

per class
Meets once
75 min

Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-12
2-9 learners per class

This class is no longer offered
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