Course Syllabus

Visual Arts Grade 6

Beth M. Wolz, NBCT

Contact information: bethwolz@gmail.com

Virtual Office hours: 8 am - 4 pm via email and Zoom; students can access links for these hours from either Gmail (Grades 6-12) or their Google Calendar (Grades K-12) sent from their teacher(s).  Paper packets for K-8 students that were distributed for April 6-20 can be found HERE.

Students will access course information by clicking on Modules.  Students will need their student number and password for NCEdcloud

PARENTS:  Use the following directions to create a Canvas Observer Account

  • Have your student(s) Generate a Pairing Code (this will be different for each student).
  • Go to https://fcschools.instructure.com/login/canvas (bookmark this site so that you can easily access your Observer dashboard for your student(s).
  • Click on Parent of a Canvas User? in the upper right-hand corner of the window.
  • Complete the required information in the window, which will include inputting the student Pairing Code. Multiple students can be added.
  • Go to the Dashboard to see your student(s)' courses.
  • Parents can sign into this account to easily access their student's courses within Canvas.
  • What can parents view as an Observer?

************************COURSE INFORMATION*********************

Course Syllabus

Course Syllabus

BMS Visual Arts for Grades 6-8

Beth M. Wolz, NBCT

Room 404

(919) 496-7700, ext 404
bethwolz@fcschools.net 

Welcome

Welcome to Art!

This is an introductory course for middle school students interested in taking art. It provides intensive work with various drawing skills and media while introducing students to the basic vocabulary of art and design. In this class, we will develop skills in the care and safe use of art supplies and equipment. Students will be introduced to the elements and principles of design and, through work with a variety of tools, media, and processes, develop the students’ abilities to make critical judgments about art. The student will understand and appreciate the influences of art from different areas and time periods in art history. Students will explore various careers in the art field.

In short, the BMS Visual Arts Course Goals, Objective and expected Learning Outcomes are:

Students will receive an introduction and exposure to:

  • The vocabulary of art
  • The elements and principles of design
  • Careers in art
  • Art history
  • Art mediums such as drawing, painting, photography, printmaking and graphic design
  • Safety in the art classroom, with materials and procedures
  • Critiquing and reflecting on their work and the work of their peers
  • Working collaboratively with classmates
  • Problem solving and critical thinking skills

All lessons are guided by the National and North Carolina Essential Visual Art Standards by grade level, links below:

Link: National Visual Arts Standards (Links to an external site.)

Link: North Carolina Essential Arts Standards - Grades K-8 (Links to an external site.)

  Student Responsibilities and Expectations

Just as you have high expectations for me as your teacher, I have high expectations for you as my student.  I expect you to come to class prepared and ready to create original artwork.  You are required to bring a sketchbook, pencil and eraser every day to class--you may leave your sketchbook (or binder/folder with clean white paper) in a special storage shelf in the room.  While you are here, please be responsible with supplies and always be on task so you can do your best work.  If you cannot complete a project or assignment on time, it is your responsibilityto speak with me about an extension.  Unexcused or missing work will result in an incomplete or failing grade.  

The art room is a place of mutual respect.  I expect you to treat your peers, your teacher (whether a substitute or me), and yourself with the highest level of respect.  Please be polite and do not put down your artwork or the artwork of another classmate.  If appropriate behavior becomes a challenge for you, we will meet to find a solution.  If necessary, we will include parents and administrators. A series of steps will be taken for negative behavior. If students work and behave as expected a positive note home or other privilege will be given. 

  What We Will Be Doing

Effective artists constantly practice their drawing skills in journals or sketchbooks.  As part of the middle school art program, students are required to complete sketchbook assignments as homework.  You will be assigned sketchbook assignments to help you build your creative drawing skills.  Due dates and topics will be clearly posted in the art room and online.    

Art projects and sketch assignments are evaluated using grading rubrics.  Rubrics will focus on concepts I will help you master during the semester.  These include your understanding of art skills/vocabulary,craftsmanshipproblem solvingoriginality/communication, and self-reflection.  Levels of mastery for each concept will be explained in detail during class.  In addition I will be evaluating your use of class time to develop your skills and complete your projects and assignments.  I believe this to be very important in your artistic development.  Grades will be posted via infinite campus.

 Special Expectations:

  1. Come to class prepared to work, on time, and with required materials.
  2. Work steadily throughout the class period, turn in completed projects on time. Respect Others and Their Work, Do Not Interfere with another person's art production.
  3. Ask 3 before me, then raise a hand to ask me if you still need help. 
  4. Label all work clearly with first name, last name, date and period.
  5. Clean your entire area at the end of the period. Check the floors for trash, put art materials away in the designated locations. Make sure chairs are pushed in and tables are wiped down if dirty.
  6. Absences from school must have a note from home. Extended deadlines on projects will not be given unless this is an excused absence.
  7. Follow all Franklin County Code of Conduct rules.
  8. NO food, chewing gum, or any liquid (except drinking water in a clear bottle) will be allowed in my classroom.
  9. A student may only leave the classroom with teacher permission, signing out on log, using a hall pass, and signing back in.
  10. Students are required to listen quietly during lectures and demonstrations, I allow low voices with a direct neighbor during drawing time within reason, at my discretion. Work quietly throughout the class period. 
  11. Stay In Seat, Unless Given Permission To Move About Room for Supplies/Pencil Sharpening.

Consequences for violating classroom rules are consistent with those found in the  Franklin County Student Code of Conduct Manual.

  Materials List and Requested Class Items 


The only supply that we ask students to bring to school is one pack of #2 pencils (inexpensive ones for a dollar or less at Walmart or Dollar tree will be just fine). We use many during the semester, if every student brings in one pack there will be enough for the whole class all year. All other materials are supplied to the student by the school. 

We do appreciate donations of recycled materials that help with clean-up and projects:  magazines, old clean towels, plastic containers, newspapers, baby food jars, paper plates, and plastic cups. 

Grading Procedures:   Formative 40%, Summative 60%

Formative Assessments = 40% of grade

Includes: Classwork such as sketchbook drawing, classroom bookwork, planning sketches, worksheets, discussions and quizzes

Class work grades will include exercises practiced in class leading up to larger projects, writing assignments and other various class assignments. In addition,  the student’s grade will be calculated based on participation grades. These grades will be given based on the student’s ability to participate in class work, follow all class procedures, and remain on task. Students are expected to remain on task for the entire period.

Summative Assessments = 60% of your grade 

Includes: Projects, tests and exams.

The grading of artwork will be divided into two categories: major projects and class work. Projects are the final evaluation of the student’s ability to demonstrate his/her problem-solving skills as well as mastery of the techniques and ideas learned and practiced in class.   

Projects will be graded based upon completion, craftsmanship, and standards. Each project will be given a specific due date. If the student cannot make the due date based on-class work time, he/she will need to take the project home to complete it. If materials cannot be taken home, the student will need to make an appointment to complete the project before and/or after school. 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due