Harmony Designs

Summary

This lesson provides students with an opportunity to work with a partner in a hands-on approach to designing a harmonious room.

Materials

• overhead projector
• harmony notes outline transparency
• example harmony design board
• interior samples--paint chips
• flooring
• wall covering
• fabric, etc..

Background for Teachers

Harmony is created when unity and variety are combined effectively. Unity occurs when all parts of a design are related by one idea or theme. When two or more different elements of design are used to create interest it has variety.

Student Prior Knowledge

Students should be aware that harmony is a principle of design. The principles of design are the guidelines to follow when using the elements of design.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students should be able to identify whether or not a design has harmony through the use of unity and variety upon completion of this lesson.

Instructional Procedures

Put the harmony note outline transparency on the overhead projector. Go over the few lines of notes as a class. Discuss different rooms at a place such as the Anniversary Inn, that have a theme--like the Swiss Family Robinson Room, the Home on Range Room, etc... Explain that these designs are examples of harmony because they have unity (a theme) and variety (the use of different colors, textures, patterns, lines, etc...)If pictures or brochures are available show them to the class.

Have students choose a partner. Hand out an assignment sheet to each partnership. Go over all the directions and grading requirements as a class. Show an example assignment so that the students have a clear idea of what is expected of them.

Have a stack of 8 x 10 or 11 x 17 pieces of mat board scraps for the partnerships to choose from for their presentation boards. Warn students that they only get one board, so if the make a mistake, they are stuck with it--so they need to make sure they have everything well-planned before they do anything with it.

Turn the remainder of the class period over to the class to finish their assignment. Remind students at the end of class that they will have additional time (at your discretion) the next class period to finish their project.

Strategies for Diverse Learners

Make sure that struggling students get teamed up with strong partners that will be helpful, but won't do all the work.

Extensions

This lesson could be extended by giving students a list of required information to share with the class in a presentation format. Students would benefit greatly from the experience of presenting their work in front of the class.

Assessment Plan

Refer to the attached Harmony Designs assignment sheet for the grading breakdown.

Bibliography

USOE Curriculum Guide