Block Printing

Class Description:

Students will learn about the history of printing. They will learn the ancient technique of block printing to express a natural history event experienced or inspired while at Wolf Ridge. Students will take home their original 4 x 5" art block for future printing, as well as 6-12 printed cards.

Total time: 1.5 hours (indoors)
Audience: 6-20 students, 4th grade through adult
Activity level: low
Travel: none
Total uphill travel: none

Outcomes

Upon completion of the Block Printing evening activity students will be able to:

List, explain, and give examples of the four types of printing.

Create a print from a block cut.

Describe the natural history experience that inspired their creation.

Minnesota Graduation Standards

The Block Printing evening activity will provide students with guided practice, in an authentic setting, to support the following Graduations Standards. We have chosen one to three “major focus” standards per grade level. Due to the holistic nature of environmental education, several other standards, not listed here, are addressed as well.

Task Management Skills: Perseverance, Safety.

H.S. Arts: Literary and Arts Creation and Performance (A, B)

6-8th Arts: Arts Creativity and Performance (1, 2, 3a-d)
6-8th Art: Artistic Interpretation (3, 4)

4-5th Arts: Arts, Creativity, Performance and Expression (B)
4-5th People and Cultures: Historical Events (3)

Wolf Ridge Curriculum Concepts

• The natural environment has many obvious and subtle impacts upon human history and culture.
• Art is an expression of human thoughts and feelings.
• Craftsmanship is important in producing quality products.

Classroom Connections*

• Journal page download
• Pre-visit activities
• Post-visit activities
• Links to Block Printing information and activities on the web

*requires Wolf Ridge password