Year 5 QCA Unit 5A. Graphical modelling

About this unit
In this unit children learn to use an object-based graphics package to produce images and visual models. They learn the key differences between an object-based program and a paint package and understand that visual models can be used to identify patterns and relationships.
Children will be able to apply what they have learnt in this unit when making maps in geography and drawing diagrams in science.

Where this unit fits in
This unit builds on earlier units which used paint packages and supports other modelling activities.
The unit assumes that children can use graphic conventions, such as those used in drawing maps and circuit diagrams.

Technical vocabulary
  • object
  • layer
 Resources

  •  object-based drawing package
Images
ARTRAGE (Free Software) http://www.artrage.com/artrage-demos.html
Sounds

Video

  
Software suitable to use:
Microsoft office-Publisher
Microsoft Works-Publish
2Simple-2Publish, 2 publish+,2Paint a Picture

Artrage http://www.artrage.com/artrage-demos.html 
Textease CT (Softease) Kent Discount
Microsoft Word (drawing tools)
My World (Semerc)
Designer – Blackcat
Spex + (Aspex)
2Draw (2Simple) Kent Discount
Furniture Service Interactive Layouts – Free Software
http://www.cfg.gov.uk/fs_folder/pages/fslayout.html

Online Resources-for Teachers:
GRAPHICAL MODELLING (NORTHUMBERLAND) http://ngfl.northumberland.gov.uk/ict/qca/ks2/unit5A/graphicalmodelling/index.html

PLAN A GARDEN (BBC)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/htbg2/virtual_garden/

ROOM PLANNER (SmartDraw)
http://www.smartdraw.com/specials/ppc/room-planning.htm?id=42061&gclid=CKH6_7-BlJoCFQIfswodmxKSLw

DESIGN A ROLLERCOASTER (caret)
http://puzzling.caret.cam.ac.uk/game.php?game=roller

CITY CREATOR
http://www.citycreator.com/

DONT DUMP IT GAME (epa)
http://www.epa.gov/recyclecity/gameintro.htm

DESIGN A SATELITE (eduweb)
http://www.eduweb.com/portfolio/designsatellite/

Online Resources- for Pupils:



Objectives:
key idea: that images can be created by combining and manipulating objects
technique: to move, rotate and re-size graphic elements

technique: to use geometric tools to create objects which can be manipulated using an object-based graphics package

key idea: that a graphical model can be used to explore alternatives and identify patterns and relationships
  •  to use an object-based graphics package to produce and explore a graphical model

QCA-ACTIVITIES:
Section 1: SETTING THE SCENE
Remind the class of the techniques they have learnt using paint packages. Discuss the use of collage and the way it allows elements to be moved. Show the class that when graphic elements are incorporated into an image in paint package, it is not possible to treat them as individual objects, eg a section of a picture can be moved, but a circle cannot. Discuss how this might be useful when producing images, maps, charts and diagrams and in designing.

Section 2: SHORT FOCUSED TASKS
Use an object-based graphics package to create a range of geometric shapes similar to those in 'The Snail' by Matisse.
Demonstrate to the class how these shapes can be selected and rearranged, how colours can be changed, how shapes can be re-sized and how shapes can be copied and layered.
Divide the children into pairs and ask them to apply these techniques to create different images, print out the work and compare the results.

Section 3: SHORT FOCUSED TASKS
Show the class how to create various objects using straight lines, curved lines, geometric shapes and curved shapes. Ask the children to create a set of graphic elements which could be used to produce a plan of the classroom.

Section 4: SHORT FOCUSED TASKS
Ask the children to find out how many tables would fit in the classroom using different layouts and different-sized chairs and tables.
Ask the children to consider alternatives, eg what would happen if the tables were twice as long? and to identify any patterns.

Section 5: INTEGRATED TASK
Ask the class to think of ways to improve the school site. Ask them to produce maps showing the site as it is, and their proposals. Tell them that they need to show that their proposals will not disrupt requirements, eg access and parking.

Expectations
most children will: use an object-based graphics package to create, combine and manipulate objects and explore possibilities

some children will not have made so much progress and will: use an object-based graphics package to create and manipulate basic objects

some children will have progressed further and will: use an object-based graphics package to create and explore an accurate graphical model checking predictions and make decisions

Assessment
2Simple 2Assess
Activities
Make shapes 1,
Make shapes 2,
Make shapes 3,
Move shapes,
Group Objects.

Activities by QCA=make shapes1,2,3, Move shapes, Group Objects