Social Masks

Lesson Instructions

Step 1: Mind Map

Create a Mind Map: Students should create a mind map (which enables non-linear thinking*) of two categories:

1. What characteristics they want others to know (perceive) about them) 2. The visual elements that are associated with those characteristics. For example, if you want others to think you’re smart, you can use glasses, a large brain as a visual representation of that characteristic. They can be as literal or as abstract in their interpretation as they want.

*Nonlinear thinking doesn’t work in straight lines or in a sequential (linear) manner. Instead, it makes connections and draw conclusions from unrelated concepts or ideas. Mind Maps are visual organizers that exhibit the connections between ideas.

Step 2: Plan

· Sketch out ideas on paper—Use Mask Template (provided) to help with the face shape.

· Cut paper with scissors to see how layers interact. · Finalize outlines of each layer using paper and a pencil. · Trace outlines with a felt-tip black marker.

3: Sketches and Cardboard Layers

Step 3: Laser cut

· Using the Glowforge Trace feature, capture the outlines of each drawing (each layer) and cut it into your material of choice (cardboard, wood, acrylic, mylar, etc.)

Step 4: Paint

· Paint layers and add additional details (as desired). · Assemble masks by gluing (or taping) layers together.

Step 5: Write

· Student should describe what visual elements they used in their mask and what personality characteristics they represent. · Student should discuss how they decided what colors, patterns, etc. they added to the mask layers (after they were cut) and why they believe it enhanced the visual communication. · Student should reflect on how effective they believe their final masks are at communicating the persona (and personality traits) that they were intending.