Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 11
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Visual Art
Curriculum Theme: Visual Art
Previous Lesson: .
Topic: The Nuance of Colour
Subject Matter: Colour mixture on surfaces of objects, tints as use of colour on an object that seems to have one colour, applying colour to show variation on a single coloured object

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define nuance of colour.
Explain colour mixture on the surface of objects.
Define tint and state how it is produced.
List ways of applying one colour to show variation on an object.
Identify areas of an object where lighter and darker values appear.

Affective Domain:

Show interest in observing colours and shades in everyday objects.
Appreciate neat colouring and careful mixing of colour.
Demonstrate patience and self-control during practical work.

Psychomotor Domain:

Mix a base colour with white to produce different tints.
Apply tints to a single-colour object drawing to show light and form.
Produce smooth colour transitions on a surface without rough patches.

Work in pairs or groups to compare tints and discuss differences.
Share colouring materials responsibly and keep the work area tidy.
Give and receive feedback on colour variation politely.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Recommended textbook on Fine Art/Visual Art for Senior Secondary Schools
Encyclopaedia Britannica: Colour
Tate: Tint
The Met: Colour in Art

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Single colour objects (e.g., ball, cup, fruit, bottle)
Drawing paper and pencils
Colouring materials (poster colour, watercolour, coloured pencils, crayons)
White paint or white pastel for making tints
Palette or mixing tray and water
Brushes and tissue/rag for cleaning
Sample shaded drawings showing tints

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand why a single object can show many shades of the same colour because of light and shadow. It improves their ability to colour neatly and make drawings look more realistic in school work and daily observation.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils can identify basic colours and have practised simple colouring and drawing of objects.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

THE NUANCE OF COLOUR

Meaning of Nuance of Colour

Nuance of colour means slight differences in the same colour, seen as lighter or darker values on an object’s surface.

Colour Mixture on Surfaces of Objects

Objects often show mixed colour on their surfaces because of light, shadow, and reflections from nearby colours.

The following are common causes of colour mixture on an object’s surface:

Light falling on the object (highlight areas)
Shadow areas where less light reaches
Reflected light from nearby objects and surroundings
Texture of the surface (smooth or rough)

Meaning of Tint

A tint is a lighter value of a colour made by adding white to the colour.

How to Produce Tints

The following are steps for producing tints:

Choose a base colour (e.g., blue).
Place the base colour on a palette or mixing tray.
Add a small amount of white and mix to get a lighter shade.
Add more white gradually to produce lighter tints in stages.
Arrange the tints from darkest to lightest for use.

Applying Colour to Show Variation on a Single Coloured Object

Variation on a single coloured object is shown by applying different tints and darker values to represent light and form.

The following are ways to apply colour to show variation on a single coloured object:

Use the darkest value at the deepest shadow areas.
Use middle tones on areas that receive moderate light.
Use the lightest tint on highlight areas where light is strongest.
Blend edges between tones to avoid harsh lines.
Leave small bright highlights where necessary to show shine.

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 displays a single-colour object under light and asks pupils to observe differences in shade on the object’s surface, then introduces the topic.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the object and mention areas that look lighter and darker.
Learning Point: A single colour can appear in different shades because of light and shadow.

Step 2: Meaning of Nuance of Colour

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines nuance of colour and illustrates it using the object and a simple shaded drawing on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the definition and identify lighter and darker parts of the object shown.
Learning Point: Nuance of colour is the slight difference in the same colour on an object.

Step 3: Colour Mixture on Surfaces of Objects

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains why surfaces show mixed colour due to light, shadow, and reflection, and lists the causes on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils mention examples from everyday objects and copy the listed points.
Learning Point: Light and reflections create different colour values on an object’s surface.

Step 4: Meaning of Tint

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines tint and shows examples of one colour becoming lighter by adding white using colouring materials or paint samples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe and record the meaning of tint in their notes.
Learning Point: A tint is a lighter value of a colour produced by adding white.

Step 5: Demonstration of Producing Tints

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates mixing a base colour with white in stages to produce three to five tints and arranges them from dark to light.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practise producing tints in small groups using their colouring materials.
Learning Point: Adding white gradually produces a range of lighter tints.

Step 6: Practical Application on a Single Coloured Object

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to apply darker and lighter values on a simple drawing of a single-colour object to show highlights and shadows.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils apply tints and darker values to their object drawing to show variation and form.
Learning Point: Correct placement of tints and darker values makes an object look solid and realistic.

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 nuance of colour.
State three causes of colour mixture on the surface of objects.
Define tint and state how it is produced.
List three ways of applying one colour to show variation on an object.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summary
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points, checks pupils’ tint scales and coloured objects, and gives a short task to create a tint scale at home using one colour.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils submit their work for quick inspection and write the assignment in their notebooks.
Learning Point: Nuance and tints help to show light, form, and variation on objects.

Lesson Keywords

Nuance – Slight difference in the same colour, shown as lighter or darker values.
Colour Mixture – Changes in colour appearance on a surface due to light, shadow, and reflection.
Tint – A lighter value of a colour made by adding white.
Highlight – The brightest area where light is strongest on an object.
Shadow – The darker area of an object where less light reaches.
Value – The lightness or darkness of a colour.
Blending – Smoothing the edges between tones to make transitions gradual.

Differentiation

Pupils who learn faster will produce a wider range of tints and apply smooth blending on their drawings, while pupils who need support will work with fewer tints and receive guided help in placing highlight and shadow areas correctly.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Use real objects and a clear light source to make the highlight and shadow easy to see. Encourage neatness and controlled mixing, and remind pupils to keep brushes, palettes, and the classroom clean after the practical activity.