Search
Bringing the Past to Life: 6th Graders Recreate Art from the Lascaux Caves
A unit on Prehistory became an in depth creative project for 6th graders this fall. Students didn’t just read about the Lascaux Caves and the value of the paintings found there, they set out to craft their own. After in class discussions on the historical significance of the cave paintings and how archeologists study such artifacts, the students researched what is known about the artists, the Magdalenian people, and set to work. In groups, they picked a panel to recreate and produced three drafts on paper. Each draft was critiqued by peers until they were satisfied with the reproduction.
As part of the project, each group also had to produce informative writing to support the art. Members of the group divided the writing task to cover all the important points. Whether archeologist, historian, anthropologist or panel master, each student contributed to the research and final content of a digital newsletter. Once again numerous drafts were produced and critiqued as part of the process. Click to view a sample newsletter.
To authentically recreate the cave paintings chosen, students first created cave walls using paper mâche stained with repurposed cold brew coffee and coffee grounds. They collected natural materials such as charcoal, mustard seed and berries that could serve as paint, and leaves, twigs and grass as painting tools. Throughout the process students had to problem-solve issues with mold from slow drying surfaces.
The final stage in the project was to present the work to an audience and Kpal friends were the perfect choice. Using flashlights in a darkened room to simulate the cave experience, the kindergarteners were transported to a prehistoric world with the 6th graders as guides.
A public exhibition space for Lascaux Cave Paintings project in currently in the planning stages.
Back
As part of the project, each group also had to produce informative writing to support the art. Members of the group divided the writing task to cover all the important points. Whether archeologist, historian, anthropologist or panel master, each student contributed to the research and final content of a digital newsletter. Once again numerous drafts were produced and critiqued as part of the process. Click to view a sample newsletter.
To authentically recreate the cave paintings chosen, students first created cave walls using paper mâche stained with repurposed cold brew coffee and coffee grounds. They collected natural materials such as charcoal, mustard seed and berries that could serve as paint, and leaves, twigs and grass as painting tools. Throughout the process students had to problem-solve issues with mold from slow drying surfaces.
The final stage in the project was to present the work to an audience and Kpal friends were the perfect choice. Using flashlights in a darkened room to simulate the cave experience, the kindergarteners were transported to a prehistoric world with the 6th graders as guides.
A public exhibition space for Lascaux Cave Paintings project in currently in the planning stages.
Mayfield Junior School
405 South Euclid Avenue, Pasadena, California 91101 626.796.2774
Located in Pasadena, California, Mayfield Junior School of the Holy Child Jesus is a K-8 Catholic coeducational private school. Our kindergarten, elementary school, and middle school experience best prepares students for high school education and beyond.
