Unit 17 - Year 2 Lessons

Overview

Students will create a view-through-a-window scene and then build a layered jungle illustration in Pixilart.

Target skills:

• Visual Communication
• Digital Illustration
• Creative Problem Solving

Tools:

• Pixilart

Outputs:

• Window scene pixel art
• Jungle scene pixel art

Week 1 - Window Looking Out

Lesson 1 - Draw the Window Scene

Goal: create a scene that shows a view outside through a layered window composition.

Teacher prep:

• Gather examples of different window types

Steps:

1. Draw the background scene first, then add a layer for the window or wall.
   
   
   
   
2. Open Pixilart and use a 128 x 128 canvas.
   
3. Fill the wall area with bucket fill.
   
4. Create a new layer.
   
5. Draw the window and shutters if desired.
6. Add lighter and darker browns for depth.
   
   
   
7. Create a new OUTSIDE layer and draw the outside scene.
   
8. Use the eraser to keep the outside scene inside the window opening.
   

Check for understanding:

• Students separate the window and outside scene on different layers.
• The image reads clearly as a view through a window.

Extension:

• Try night, city, forest, or mountain views.

Lesson 2 - Real Window Reference

Goal: recreate a real view from a school window using the same layered workflow.

Teacher prep:

• Take or provide a window-view reference image

Steps:

1. Use a school window photo as the reference.
2. Repeat the same process: draw the window, then draw outside on a new layer.
3. Use a 125 x 125 or similar square canvas if needed.

Check for understanding:

• Students work from observation rather than imagination only.
• The scene still uses clear layering.

Extension:

• Compare a realistic view with an imaginative one.

Week 2 - Jungle Scene

Lesson 1 - Layered Jungle

Goal: create depth in a jungle scene using layers of trees and foliage.

Teacher prep:

• Show how lighter-to-darker layers create depth

Steps:

1. Open Pixilart and create a 256 x 144 canvas.
   
   
   
2. Make background tree layers from lighter to darker tones.
   
3. Fill the background.
   
4. On a new layer, draw darker tree trunks.
   
5. Add more trees on another layer between the earlier ones.
   
6. Repeat for a third tree layer.
   
7. Add a FOLIAGE layer and paint ground foliage using varied greens.
   
8. Save to Google Drive.

Check for understanding:

• Students create visible depth using layers and color.
• The scene includes both trunks and foliage.

Extension:

• Add animals, paths, or ruins.

Lesson 2 - New Jungle Variation

Goal: continue the jungle scene or create a second variation.

Teacher prep:

• Discuss different jungle references together

Steps:

1. Reopen the previous scene or start a new one.
2. Change composition, colors, or plant density.
3. Add new jungle details based on references.

Check for understanding:

• Students improve complexity without flattening the scene.
• Layers remain separated clearly.

Extension:

• Try a jungle at sunrise, rain, or night.