Elements of Design

ByEvin Gamal Prather •

Grade Level	9th
Subject Area	Technology / Engineering Design
Duration	Four 70-minute class periods
Background Knowledge	Students should be familiar with information contained in the Principles and Elements of Design PowerPoint slideshow in order to effectively apply the Elements of Design to the faces of the 20” cubes. The most confusion generally involves the difference between the Elements and the Principles of Design. Elements of Design are the physical characteristics or details that an object has that work together to create the Principles of Design (unity, balance, rhythm, emphasis, proportion, repetition, opposition, subordination, and transition). Instructors should pay attention to the notes inserted into the PowerPoint slideshow to aid in its presentation to the students.
Author	Evin Gamal Prather

Summary
Day 1: Students will be shown the Elements of Design PowerPoint slideshow and encourage to discuss the material contained therein to promote their understanding. Day 2 and Day 3: Students will be separated into groups of three. The groups should contain students who have different personality types and do not typically hang out or associate with one another. These groups should be slightly uncomfortable for students to exist in because of the lack of familiarity. Each group will be supplied with a 20” cardboard cube-shaped box along with packaging tape and an activity handout. Students will use days two and three to use the “Elements” (Fabric swatches, buttons, construction paper, magic markers, glue, beads, fake gemstones, glitter, etc.) to demonstrate one of the six principles of design on each face of the cardboard box. Day 4: Each group will give an informal 5-minute oral presentation about the principles of design using their decorated cube as a visual aid. Students should be encouraged to be creative in their interpretation the use of Elements of Design to demonstrate the Principles of Design.

Objectives
Students will 1. Understand the difference between the principles and elements of design 2. Apply their understanding of the principles of design 3. Improve their oral presentation skills 4. Work in teams to achieve an objective

Ohio Standards
Science N/A Math N/A Technology Standard 6: Design Benchmark A: Identify and produce a product or system using a design process, evaluate the final solution and communicate the findings. Grade Nine Requirements Indicator: Identify the elements of quality in a product/system (e.g., tolerances, fit, finish, function, form (aesthetics), repeatability, durability, material). Benchmark B: Recognize the role of teamwork in engineering design and of prototyping in the design process.