Approaches

Insect Art: Chalk and Glue Technique

2 Min Read  •  STEAM

Do you know the difference between a bug and an insect? Is there a difference? What about an insect and an arthropod? What category do caterpillars fall into?

Identifying these scientific characteristics can be visualized using this glue and chalk technique that allows students to create their own species of insect, bug, arthropod, or pay tribute to their favorite.

Materials You’ll Need

  • Black construction Paper
  • School Glue that dries clear
    • Modification: Black glue on White Paper
  • Colored chalk pastels (Colored pencils or oil pastels work as well)
  • Paper Towels for blending

Teaching Process

  1. Discuss the characteristics of bugs and insects
  2. Insects have…
    • 3 body parts (head, thorax, abdomen)
    • 2 antennae
    • 3 pairs of legs
    • An Exoskeleton, or skeleton outside of their bodies
  3. True Bugs have…
    • Different mouths that allow for straw-like drinking and eating practices instead of teeth
  4. Research images and sketch observations
  5. Use Symmetrical Coloring sheets to discuss how bugs and insects are made with simple shapes. Find some HERE – this is helpful for building student confidence and helps break down complex subjects
  6. Draw Final Bug on Black Paper with Pencil
  7. Go over Pencil with Glue and let dry
  8. Practice chalk techniques and discover what they can do. Share discoveries as a class!
  9. Color with Chalk when glue is dry. Try to add value to your artwork with highlights and shading.

Art Vocabulary and Techniques

  • Symmetry: One side is identical to the other
  • Value: The lightness or darkness of an object or color
  • Tints: True Color with White Added
  • Shades: True Color with Black Added
  • Blending, shading, smudging: Bluring an area using your finger or an art tool
  • Highlights: add white or light colored chalk to create a reflection or highlight
  • Drawing with unique materials: Drawing with glue is new and interesting for students

Helpful Education Closet Links

  • Art in the Garden HERE
  • STEAMing Up the Art Room HERE
  • STEAMing Up the Art Room: Specimens HERE
  • The Art of Microscopy HERE

This chalk and glue technique can be used for many different arts integration lessons. It is adaptable for your lessons and interests.