Duct Tape Monsters and Plastic Bag Aliens
Submitted by: Amber Paz,
Elementary Art Teacher
Grade level: 5th - 12th
Goals / Objectives:
Students will learn how to design, and create a sculpture.
Students will be able to use problem solving skills.
Students will also be able to create fictional characters.
Students will be able to write a short story, on the details of their monster/alien (character description).
Materials Needed:
Rolls of Brightly Colored Duct Tape
(1-2 Rolls per student)
Lots of Plastic Bags from Grocery Store
Paper Towel Rolls, and Toilet Paper Rolls
String or Yarn Assortment
Newspaper
Small - Medium Sized Rocks
Google Eyes
, or Craft Styrofoam
Hot Glue Gun
Monsters/Aliens Movie (optional)
and 
Lesson Description:
Part 1:
Students will create a colored sketch, of their monster or alien. (Show them a drawing the art teacher created, and/or other student examples of monsters, or aliens, so they can use them as inspiration)
Part 2:
Students will stuff their plastic bags for the monster/alien body. Tie in a tight knot when finished.
Wrap string in an area/s of the body, to create different body shapes, or to separate body areas ( IE. head, neck, or waist). Tie in a tight bow or knot, so the shape will stay.
Write name with permanent marker on the plastic bag. (use permanent marker to write names on all parts just in case)
Part 3:
Students will start to attach paper rolls, or roll up newspaper for body parts using masking tape: arms, legs, fingers, antennae, etc...
Part 4:
Students can fill up two or more (depending on number of legs) plastic bags with small rocks for feet. Tie in knot, and cut off excess plastic tie if needed.
Attach feet to legs using plenty of masking tape.
Part 5:
Wrap entire body and parts with desired colors of torn masking tape. Do not use scissors to cut tape, tearing the tape is best.
Try to put duct tape on evenly, so there are too many wrinkles, and to ensure smooth appearance.
Part 6:
Options for eyes, nose and mouth: use craft foam, or felt to create the parts or details of face. Also can use this for details: finger or toe nails, or added accessories.
Other option: Use Google Eyes for eyes.
Teacher will assist students to hot glue pieces as needed.
Part 7:
Watch Monster/Alien Movie Just for Fun, so students can have an added effect for project.
Monster/Alien projects are fun to start out the school year, so that they are ready for Halloween, or just fun anytime!!
IAD Links
Assessment(s):
Set up monster and aliens in a display area, and host an art critique.
Students will write a short story on their monster/alien, and provide details:
where the monster is from, how they live, what their name is, and what the monster stands for.
National Core Arts Standards and/or National Visual Arts Standards Covered:
Content Standard 1 :
Students intentionally take advantage of the qualities and characteristics of art media, techniques, and processes to enhance communication of their experiences and ideas.
Content Standard 6 :
Students synthesize the creative and analytical principles and techniques of the visual arts and selected other arts disciplines (language arts)
Resources
Book: Everything I Know About Monsters : A Collection of Made-up Facts, Educated Guesses, and Silly Pictures about Creatures of Creepiness
Book: Creature Features: Draw Amazing Monsters & Aliens
