DESCRIPTION: Students talk about objects of different scales in their lives and compare them to the artwork in the galleries or out in the Sculpture Garden.

OBJECTIVES: Students learn the meaning and varieties of scale, the role it plays in conveying meaning, and analyze how it works with the other elements. The activity is also intended to encourage students to use their imagination as they explore artworks.

PROCEDURE: It's quite likely that you have some small-scale objects at home. Can you think of a toy that is a miniature version of something? (model airplanes, cars, dolls, doll houses, animals) The toys that you just named are small-scale objects. Why do you think people enjoy miniature or small-scale objects?

Let's look at this small-scale animal. How big is this animal in real life? This animal is quite a bit smaller than a full-scale or life-size (name of animal). Can you imagine what it would sound like this small? (students make sounds of the miniature animal, group must agree on the appropriate volume) Can you picture the size that this animal's house would be? (stable, barn, dog house, etc.) How big would its collar (or saddle or wagon) be?

Let's see if we can find a work of art whose scale is similar to that of (name of animal). Perhaps we'll find an environment that's just right for it. As you go through the gallery hold the toy up to the artworks to see if it fits.

Now let's think about large scale for a moment. Picture yourself on the street in front of your house. Imagine that you see a friendly collie coming down the sidewalk. How would you react? Now let's begin again, you are still in front of your house and again you see a collie coming down the street but this time it's a large-scale collie! It's as big as a dinosaur! How would you react to this dog?

Let's take a look at some works of art and try to determine if they are small or large scale. What is the subject matter of this sculpture? Is it small or large-scale? Is it bigger (or smaller) than what we would normally see? Does it make the object seem more (or less important) because of its size? If you made it much bigger (or smaller) how would that change your opinion or reaction to it? Why do you think it is so big (or small)? Could you put this artwork in your home or hang it above your bed? If it's too big to put in your home what does it tell us about whom the artist was making it for? (If it's very small) Could you put this artwork out in the Sculpture Garden? Would people be able to view it easily? Or would they walk right past without seeing it?

MINNESOTA GRADUATION STANDARDS:
(1) Read, View, Listen
(2) Write and Speak
(3) Literature and the Arts
(4) Math Applications

Age level: Grades 2-5.
Artworks used: Use paintings or sculptures that are of various scales.
Props needed: A small toy.
Related to Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: Yes
Notes: In your discussion, be sure to integrate the scale activity with other elements.


© 1998 WALKER ART CENTER