The Montgomery County Public Schools Art Program is aligned with National and State Art Education Standards. The effects of the art program do not end in the classroom, but extend into the personal and academic development of each student.
Students also develop the ability to concentrate, consider various points of view, problem solve, think creatively, work as a member of a team, and persevere in a task.
Courses
Ceramics/Sculpture 1 A/B - 0.5 credit per semester
Students learn basic hand-building techniques and glazing processes. Included are the composition and general characteristics of clay bodies, safe studio practices, craftmanship, and surveys of significant styles in pottery and ceramic sculpture. An introduction to the wheel may be presented. Ceramics 1B focuses on sculptural processes using a variety of materials and techniques. Writing and thinking skills are reinforced through journal writing.
Digital Art A/B - 0.5 credit per semester
Students use the computer as a tool to create portraits, illustrations, commercial/advertising art, and animations. Students discuss ethical and safety issues in the use of computers as an instructional tool. A variety of techniques, processes, and applications are studied. Guest speakers and experts in the field of digital art introduce and describe careers. Students work to develop criteria for judgment of digital artwork. A portfolio of digital art is produced.
Foundations of Art, Pre-Studio A/B - 0.5 credit per semester
Artworks that convey personal meaning are created using a variety of production processes, including drawing, painting, crafts, commercial art, printmaking, and sculpture. Historically significant examples of each art form, representing a variety of cultures are investigated and represented in the creative production process. Students develop a context for understanding art as an aspect of human experience. Writing and thinking skills are reinforced through journaling. Career information is provided.
Painting A/B - 0.5 credit per semester
Students continue their study of composition, the structure of form, and the relationships of color, and apply these concepts to personal artworks. A variety of wet media and surfaces will be explored. Historical and contemporary painting styles are investigated; health hazards are studied. In the second semester, students may elect to concentrate on a preferred painting medium such as watercolor, tempera, or acrylic. Writing and thinking skills are reinforced through journaling.
Photography 1 A/B - 0.5 credit per semester
Students develop skills in using an SLR camera, processing film, and printing black-and-white photographs. The elements of art and design principles are studied and applied to photographic compositions. Contemporary photographic technology is demonstrated and used where available. Safe darkroom practices are learned, and opportunities to exhibit work are presented.Writing and thinking skills are reinforced through journaling.
Photography 2 A/B - 0.5 credit per semester
Students create a portfolio of photographic work using various production techniques, including advanced camera and darkroom practices, and digital technology. Students continue studies in the history of photography and apply historical or stylistic qualities to their work. Composition and aesthetic criteria are stressed. Writing and thinking skills are reinforced through journaling. Students participate in critiques, and mat and display their work for exhibit.
Studio Art 1 A/B - 0.5 credit per semester
Students continue their study of art, and apply their knowledge of media, tools, techniques, the elements of art and principles of design to original artwork. Many art forms are studied including drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Students learn about art from other cultures,regions, and time periods, and how both historical and contemporary artwork is used to inspire original work. Writing and thinking skills are reinforced through journaling. Career information is provided.
Studio Art 2 A/B - 0.5 credit per semester
Students continue to build a portfolio of artwork and an art journal. Personal style emerges through the selection of media, subject matter and art forms used to solve visual problems. Classroom reading assignments, group critiques, and visuals are used to help students develop an aesthetic vocabulary and an appreciation for art as an expression of human experience. Writing and thinking skills are reinforced through journaling.
NORTHWOOD HIGH SCHOOL, 919 UNIVERSITY BLVD. W., SILVER SPRING, MD 20901
