Symmetrical Alien Names

​Art Education students are learning about the Elements of Art (Line, Color, Shape, Space, Texture, Value, and Time and Motion) and the Principles of Design (Balance, Contract, Repetition, Pattern, Emphasis, Movement, and Unity).  To visualize symmetry, they made Alien Names out of their cursive writing.  The students only had 30 mins to complete this artwork. Student learning objectives included fine motor skills, learning about symmetry, becoming familiar with the art room procedures, discovering new art materials, and of course, using their creativity.

MATERIALS
• Copy paper, 11″ x 17″ works well
• Black Sharpie Marker
• Crayons/Markers/Oil Pastels/Chalk

 
DIRECTIONS
1. Students fold a large sheet of paper in half lengthwise. With the paper folded, they write their name in cursive, adjusting to fill the paper as much as possible. The bottoms of the letters should always touch the fold of the paper. Any descenders (such as the bottoms of g’s, j’s or y’s) need to be ignored for this project.
2. Students traced over the pencil lines with a large black Sharpie. They also trace the backside, fold, and trace again on the remaining side so they end up with one side of reflecting shapes.
3. Students turn their drawings into some kind of Alien creature. They can draw details with a thin marker and then color sections in with crayons. Remind students that for symmetry whatever color or pattern is on one side it must be repeated on the opposite side.