Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: Second Term
Week: 1
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Painting And Decoration
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: .
Topic: DESIGN
Subject Matter: Line, color, form, space, value, texture

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Define design.
Identify and list the six elements of design.
Explain each element of design: line, color, form, space, value, and texture.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of design elements in creating visually appealing artworks.
Show interest in observing design elements in their environment.

Psychomotor Domain:

Sketch simple examples illustrating each design element.
Apply basic design elements in a simple drawing exercise.

Share ideas on how design elements are used in daily objects and artworks.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Cultural and Creative Arts.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Painting and Decoration, SSS 1.
Uche, F. N. (2018). Painting and Decoration for Senior Secondary Schools 1-3. Lagos: Educational Publishers Ltd.
https://www.education.gov.ng
https://www.waeconline.org.ng

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Chart showing different types of lines.
Color wheel chart.
Illustrations of 2D shapes and 3D forms.
Samples of objects with varying textures (e.g., rough fabric, smooth stone).
Cardboard, pencils, and rulers for pupils.

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding design and its elements helps pupils to create effective and beautiful artworks. It also enables them to analyze and appreciate the visual world around them, from simple objects to complex structures.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic drawing skills and are familiar with observing different shapes and colors in their environment.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

DESIGN AND ITS ELEMENTS

Definition of Design

Design is the thoughtful arrangement of elements to create a unified and visually appealing work. It involves planning and organizing components to achieve a specific purpose or effect.

Elements of Design

The elements of design are the basic components or building blocks used by artists to create a work of art. They are:

Line
Color
Form
Space
Value
Texture

Line

A line is the path of a moving point. It can vary in direction, width, and length. Lines are used to define shapes, create contours, suggest movement, and imply emotion.

Types of lines include:

Straight lines (horizontal, vertical, diagonal)
Curved lines
Zigzag lines
Implied lines

Color

Color is the element of art that is produced when light, striking an object, is reflected back to the eye. It has three main properties: hue (the name of the color), intensity (brightness or dullness), and value (lightness or darkness).

Colors can be classified as:

Primary colors (red, yellow, blue)
Secondary colors (orange, green, purple)
Tertiary colors (mixtures of primary and secondary)
Warm colors (red, orange, yellow)
Cool colors (blue, green, purple)

Form

Form refers to a three-dimensional object or the illusion of three dimensions. It has height, width, and depth. Forms can be geometric or organic.

Examples of forms include:

Geometric forms (cubes, spheres, pyramids, cylinders)
Organic forms (shapes found in nature like rocks, trees, human figures)

Space

Space is the area around, between, or within components of a piece. It can be positive (the area occupied by objects) or negative (the empty areas between objects).

Artists create the illusion of space through techniques such as:

Overlapping
Varying size
Placement on the picture plane
Linear perspective
Atmospheric perspective

Value

Value refers to the lightness or darkness of a color or tone. It ranges from pure white (lightest) to pure black (darkest), with various shades of grey in between. Value helps to create contrast and the illusion of form and depth.

Value can be used to:

Create contrast
Show form (shading)
Create a focal point
Suggest mood or atmosphere

Texture

Texture refers to the perceived surface quality of a work of art. It is the way something feels or looks as if it would feel if touched. Texture can be actual (tactile) or implied (visual).

Types of texture include:

Actual texture (e.g., rough wood, smooth glass)
Implied texture (e.g., painting of fur that looks soft but is flat)

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils, reviews the previous lesson briefly, and then introduces the new topic, “Design and its Elements,” by asking pupils to identify elements they see in the classroom (e.g., lines on the board, colors of objects).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and identify visual elements around them.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the concept of design elements in everyday life.

Step 2: Definition of Design

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines design as the thoughtful arrangement of elements to create a unified and visually appealing work. The teacher emphasizes that design involves planning and organizing components.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning of design.

Step 3: Introduction to Elements of Design

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher lists the six main elements of design on the board: Line, Color, Form, Space, Value, and Texture. The teacher briefly states that these are the basic building blocks of any artwork.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify and write down the listed elements.
Learning Point: Pupils identify the basic elements of design.

Step 4: Line and Color

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains ‘Line’ using a chart showing different types of lines (straight, curved, zigzag). The teacher then explains ‘Color’, referring to a color wheel to illustrate primary, secondary, and tertiary colors, and discussing warm and cool colors. Pupils are encouraged to sketch examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the charts, listen to explanations, and sketch different lines and color examples.
Learning Point: Pupils understand and can identify line and color as design elements.

Step 5: Form and Space

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains ‘Form’ as a three-dimensional object, contrasting it with 2D shapes, and showing examples of geometric and organic forms. The teacher then explains ‘Space’ (positive and negative) and how artists create the illusion of depth using techniques like overlapping. The teacher uses instructional materials to illustrate these.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe illustrations, listen, and participate in identifying forms and spaces.
Learning Point: Pupils understand and can identify form and space as design elements.

Step 6: Value and Texture

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains ‘Value’ as the lightness or darkness, demonstrating with shades of grey. The teacher then explains ‘Texture’ (actual and implied), allowing pupils to feel various textured objects or showing images of different textures. The teacher emphasizes how these elements add depth and realism.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe, feel samples (if available), and understand the concepts of value and texture.
Learning Point: Pupils understand and can identify value and texture as design elements.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define design in your own words.
Mention any four elements of design.
Explain what is meant by ‘Line’ as an element of design.
Differentiate between ‘Form’ and ‘Space’.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the lesson by reiterating the definition of design and its six elements. The teacher then gives homework: “Draw and label an example for each of the six elements of design.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding and are given an assignment to reinforce learning.

Lesson Keywords

Design – The thoughtful arrangement of elements to create a unified and visually appealing work.
Line – The path of a moving point, used to define shapes and suggest movement.
Color – The element produced when light reflects from an object, having hue, intensity, and value.
Form – A three-dimensional object or the illusion of depth, having height, width, and depth.
Space – The area around, between, or within components of a piece, which can be positive or negative.
Value – The lightness or darkness of a color or tone.
Texture – The perceived surface quality of a work of art; how something feels or looks like it would feel.

Differentiation

For visual learners, the teacher will use more charts and real-life examples. Kinesthetic learners will benefit from sketching and handling textured objects. Pupils who grasp concepts quickly can be encouraged to find more advanced examples of design elements in famous artworks. Those needing more support will receive additional guidance and simpler examples during the sketching activity.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure all instructional materials are prepared before the lesson. Encourage pupil participation through questions and discussions. Allow enough time for pupils to sketch examples of each element to reinforce their understanding. Emphasize that these elements work together to create a complete design.