Q for the teachers. Yr 7 volcano model

[bonkers20]

My DS is in yr 7. His geography HW is to make a model of a volcano. What is the point of this? I think he can learn what he needs to know by drawing and labelling a picture of one. It's not art where he's learning about different materials or what have you.
Model making is a chore. We are not crafty people so we need to get supplies which is a pain. I'm having trouble explaining to my DS why it's a good thing for him to do.
Comments?

Loshad - but the OP didn't say how detailed it had to be - just 'make a model of a volcano'. Very vague. Doesn't say if it needs labeling etc.

If it were me, I'd do a cross section of the chamber- easy to make with cardboard and label each part as you go up from the base to the top.

I agree abelina, you could give them a choice of tasks, but as goblinchild says, some would always choose the same way to do things and wouldn't challenge themselves. Sorry for going off the deep end too, it's just I always have to defend my subject from people who think it isn't academic enough, or is just colouring in, messing about that shouldn't go past year 9. It's actually a sad fact that lots of primary aged children don't get a lot of art teaching however, as there isn't the time, or the focus on it, especially in areas with the 11 plus. I do think it's sad that you were turned off by your art lessons, I work in a grammar, and so often I have the boys tell me they can't draw, or a re rubbish at art - even worse, the parents tell me they can't! We try and get them to try a bit of everything, drawing, sculpture, photography, etc, to see where their talents lie - it won't all be easy for them, but unless they give it a go they won't know - plus sometimes just the making is enough, they might learn something in the process of trying to do it - it doesn't matter that they are going to end up with a big lump of papier mache!
Mind you, I sort of agree with the volcano thing, I would love to suggest other ways of getting the kids to do it, not involving tonnes of paper and glue all over my lovely art room at lunchtime but they don't ask me...!

missmakesstuff - love everyone coming in to mess up your art room!

As for me "art lessons" would be overstating it. if you were considered "good" at art, ie had some sort of natural eye, then you were given a bit of encouragement. If you like me you didn't have the first idea then art lessons were literally "draw an animal"; "design a food carton label". We didn't learn drawing techniques, perspective, photography, pottery, oils, watercolours, anything. Literally were not taught despite there being a big art room, kiln, facilities etc. No wonder I couldn't wait to drop it, it was the only exam I ever failed and as I was the class swot people loved seeing my name at the bottom of the list for the art results.

Funny how the psychology of school sticks with you, hence my approach to this thread. ds's primary school has a dedicated art room and I am so pleased he will get a proper shot at seeing what he could acheive and be good at even if he also shows no natural talent.

whilst making models isn't necessarily useful in exam halls, I disagree that it would be useful in work - for example, to work out how to make a model or a volcano you need to
Visualise the layout of something which you can only see from one angle (in a diagram, or photo)
plan ahead, working out what goes where
Source materials, for example look at a bottle and work out how to make it into a lava chamber
Problem solve and experimentThink about the way materials work together - so how will a particular tyoe of glue stick two differelt materials together
negotiatebargain with your parents to help you make it/clear up the mess!

All good skills, surely?

Aaargh, rubbish capitalisation and bolding of type there, should be ashamed of myself...I'm sure you are going to be brilliant at supporting your DS, maybe you might get some art mojo back at the same time?! I think my school was the same, when I arrived they weren't allowed to use colour pencils until year 10!! It is so sad that so little worth was put (and still is) on art as a way of getting young people involved, learning about communication, themselves...theres just so much, if it's done well it shouldn't discourage anyone from being creative, even if they think they aren't any good!

Sorry OP, could go on for ages, hasn't helped your volcano making!! Better go to bed before I get all misty eyed about how much I love teaching (it's only cause I have had a week off!!, come next week i will be all - 'right, see that tree, go and draw it. QUIETLY!!)

vintage I think he's done stuff like that of his own accord in the back garden. I am not quite sure how he would hand it in! Have fun if you do it yourself today!

mismakestuff you make some good points. He has already done one model making project for a non-art subject - a vein - so it's not like he's never broadened his horizons in this way.

I love the playdoh idea. Thanks.

I am NOT going to help him do this....he's 12 and should be doing it himself. I'll help him verbally and financially, but there is no way I'm spending my time doing this with him.

mismakestuff, I am in no way denying that making a model is a really good thing, but for geography? Nope, I don't get it.

DSs art teacher gushed over him with great enthusiasm at parent teacher night. She has passed on her own passion of the subject onto him and it's so lovely to see. Thank you teachers!

Ha, very apt as we sit here finishing off a Yr 7 Volcano model. Your DS isn't in West Kent at a certain boys' grammar school by any chance bonkers?

My DS hates this sort of thing - he won't have learnt anything more than he has done already by researching which volcano to make. OTOH my DD (9) is a far more kinaesthetic learner and has been begging to help. She'd probably have done the whole thing for him given half a chance!