Minds On
Let’s get started!
What do artists do?
Artists don’t just paint and draw.
Artists also build, design and invent things.
An artist who designs buildings, schools, homes and playgrounds is called an architect.
An artist who designs and decorates homes on the inside is called an interior designer.
An artist who invents things is called an inventor.
Designing and inventing
To design is the art or process of planning or creating something.
To invent means to create something new.
Playgrounds around the world
We are going to explore some playgrounds from around the world that were designed by architects.
Explore the following carousel of images of playgrounds that are found around the world.
A water playground in Croatia
A playground inspired by acorns in Australia
A knit playground in Japan. Children can jump, roll and crawl in this net!
A playground is built into a hill with slides, stairs and balance beams, in Saskatchewan, Canada
An accessible playground in Windsor, Ontario
Did you notice any similarities between the playgrounds?
Which one interests you the most? Why?
Action
Get ready, get set…
Model design
Before a playground gets built, the architect makes a model of their design. A model is a mini version of the design.
Explore the following carousel of images to discover a variety of playground models.
A playground model can be made with arts and craft supplies
A playground model can be a drawing
A playground model can be made of toys
Portfolio
Portfolio
In your art journal or using a method of your choice, answer the following question:
Why might it be a good idea to make a model before people start to build the playground?
Press ‘Answer’ to explore reasons why it might be a good idea to make a model.
A model helps people plan. It can help organize where the parts of a playground could go. A model could be used to practice how to build.
Now it’s your turn to be a playground architect!
What type of a playground would you design? Can all children use it?
In your art journal, on paper, or using any method of your choice draw or describe how you would design your playground.
Press the following tabs to access ideas for designing your playground!
What type of equipment would your playground have?
For example, there might be:
- a slide
- a ramp
- a seesaw
Would your playground include colours or patterns?
What shapes would you include in your design?
For example:
- circles
- triangles
- squares
Would your playground have anything you don’t usually find at a playground?
For example:
- a ferris wheel
Would your playground have a theme?
For example:
- a castle theme (i.e. a stable, a tower etc.)
- a space theme (i.e. rocket ships, stars etc.)
Go!
Planning your model
Let's explore a grid map! Explore the following grid map with items you could use as a part of your playground design. Choose five to ten items that you want to include.
Try using it yourself and ask for help if you need it!
Portfolio
Portfolio
Explain why you chose the items for your playground design. You may create a picture, use words or record an audio description.
Consolidation
Putting it all together
Materials Needed
Materials needed
Materials needed for this learning activity:
- household objects like boxes or toys
- a blank sheet of paper or an art journal
- drawing materials such as pencils or crayons
- an electronic tablet for drawing
- any other art materials you like to use
Safety
Always be sure to do your safety checks before you do an activity.
Before you begin, check:
Now it’s time to build! Using your ideas from the Action, create your own model of a playground.
Gather some found objects from around your home. It could be recycled materials (boxes and rolls), toys, or art supplies. Use those objects to put together your own model of a playground.
You can also create the playground by making an image or creating an audio description of what you include in the model.
Explore the following carousel of images for some building inspiration!
A playground from arts and crafts supplies
A playground from household objects
A playground from pillows and blankets
A playground from recycled objects
A playground made from toys
Portfolio
Artist statement
In your art journal or using any method of your choice, answer each question using words:
- What is your favourite part of your playground?
- What did you use to create it?
- Name one thing you felt you did well in creating your playground design. Name one thing you can improve for next time.
Reflection
How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel…
Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.