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Tech Integration Project
Lesson Accelerator: Project Overview

What's So Special About SFX?
Software Type: Image Editing
The example project created in this Lesson Accelerator addresses NETS Performance Indicators for middle grades as used in a(n) Fine Arts curriculum. It could also be used with older learners or adapted for lower grades. See the section on Extending and Adapting at the bottom of this page for ideas on how to use this same project for different subjects, grades, and skill levels.
Project Launchers
Lesson Accelerator Project Launcher pages contain video tutorials that show you, step-by-step, how to create this project using specific software applications, as well as a movie showing you what the finished project looks like. They also provide a download of all the example files used in the project, so you can recreate it.
When you've reviewed all the information on this page and would like to go to a Project Launcher, click the application name below that corresponds to the one you'd like to use for the project.
Go to: Photoshop Elements 3 (PC) - Project Launcher
Go to: Photoshop Elements 6 (Mac) - Project Launcher
Go to: Photoshop Elements 3 (Mac) - Project Launcher
Description
Students will work individually or in small groups to design a series of special effects images. They will use image editing software to explore how visual information is interpreted and manipulated digitally. Students will create new, blank image documents, and within the application will generate objects and create a variety of effects.
Goals
To provide students with the opportunity to translate their artistic capabilities to a digital space and develop visual arts skills. Students will have a better understanding of opacity, blend modes, and filter effects, as well as create some cool images.
Objectives
The student will be able to:
  • Create 6 exciting special effects images.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how different blend modes work.
  • Use a variety of tools within the image editing application.
  • Experiment with different filters, parameters, and compare their results.
Preparation and Skill Mastery
Students should have basic computer skills for saving documents and using input devices, such as a mouse, keyboard or tablet. If students are going to create the images, as demonstrated in the tutorial movies, they will need access to the JPG image (driedmud.jpg) included in the downloadable resource packet for this project.
Materials
  • Computer with image-editing software installed (Internet access is optional)
  • Access to the JPG file used in the example project
  • Color printer (optional)
Task List
The tasks to be completed for this project include:
  • Creating new image documents and using tools within the application to create special effects, such as a matrix/grid, an aqua effect, a sun, 3D crystals, and transparent 3D objects.
  • Applying special effects to an image of dried mud, or another natural object with asymmetrical cracks, to create an exploding planet.
  • Creating vector objects using application tools, such as the Shape and Pen tools.Using application filters to apply effects to an image.
  • Using application filters to apply effects to an image.
  • Changing the color of objects.
  • Exploring digital simulation of primary and secondary light sources.
Assessment
Assessment can be based on the following:
  • Was the student able to create new image documents within the image editing application?
  • Did the student apply special effects to their images?
  • Is the student able to demonstrate an understanding of how different blend modes work?
  • Does the student demonstrate a basic understanding of how to use some of the tools found in the software application?
Extending or Adapting
Here are some possible ways that this lesson plan might be extended or adapted for different timeframes, grade levels, and skill/ability levels:
  • Textures could be mapped to different objects.
  • Students could create space fields for celestial objects by using various noise settings, texture maps, and blend modes.
  • Students could create a Website using graphics created in this project, incorporating different elements, such as buttons,, backgrounds, etc.
  • Photos and other graphic objects could be introduced into this project to create a composite piece of art drawn from multiple sources.
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