Middle school students [7th grade] at Raul Yzaguirre School For Success [RYSS], Houston, Texas, U.S.A. participated in a classroom assignment involving GIMP 2 [Photoshop equivalent] photo software and vocabulary building through word identification/meaning via the Internet.

The students were given Grade 7 Science [TEKS/TAKS] words to research the meaning of online then translate those meanings in photo software as Digital Art. As a result, vocabulary enhancement came to the forefront with acquired skills of manipulating photographs ... utilizing various tools and filters within the software.

This cognitive and creative process placed the students in an environment of hands-on with photo software and the requirement of researching the word meanings to translate them into Digital Art through visualization. Digital Artists abound in all sectors as a part of this Digital Revolution we find ourselves a part of these days, which means this classroom process was also vocational in terms of building graphics software skills. Another interesting aspect to this project/process is the fact that the students took the vocabulary building assignments in stride to be able to visualize their word meanings as art and in this case, Digital Art.

Disclaimer: photographs for the manipulations were downloaded from the Internet strictly for educational purposes.

Note: this classroom assignment [lesson plan] was found to be exemplary and has been included in the National Lesson Plan Library at Digital Wish:

Lesson Plan 4037.

Online exhibition:

DA_SCI7_RYSS

Physical exhibitions:

This project was shown [slide show] as a part of the 5th annual Carnival of e-Creativity & Change-agents Conclave, Sattal Estate, Bhimtal, India, February 19 - 21, 2010:

DA_SCI7_RYSS Slide Show [20MB] [Please allow loading time; click player to the right to view the slide show.]

Teacher's Statement:

"I believe the most important aspect of this digital art project and its showcasing is the fact that a classroom assignment such as this ... or any other ... has transcended the confines of the room and the school system to provide impact or stimulus internationally.

This impact or stimulus is a realization for the students who participated, their families, their school system members and community members that what happens in the classroom can also be transferred to outside situations within a real world context.

The classroom assignment and its end result have moved from the student's notebook to a product on display for public consumption and evaluation. This fact indicates to the student that what he/she does can have more meaning within a wider setting. And because of this, it builds greater confidence levels to continue and in parallel with everyday activities in society."

Tom R. Chambers, Teacher, Technology Applications, Junior Academy, Raul Yzaguirre School For Success, Houston, Texas, U.S.A.