Sketching to Learn: 30-second Sketch

Sketching to Learn: 30-second Sketch

This activity fosters close looking, promotes discovery, and enriches inquiry-based discussions by encouraging students to push beyond what is noticeable at first glance.

Grade Level:
Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12, Grades K-2
Subject Area:
Fine Arts, Visual Arts
Activity Type:
Engagement Activity

Sketching to Learn: 30-second Sketch

30-second Sketch

Ask students to choose an object and do the following:

Quickly sketch the object, taking only 30 seconds for your sketch.

Have the students turn their paper over.

Now take at least 60 seconds to observe before you begin to sketch.  Let your eyes wander over every bit of the work.

Take another 30 seconds to make another sketch.

Compare the experience of making these two sketches. Discuss what similarities and differences were captured in the sketches.