Unit 17 - Year 3 Lessons

Overview

Students will create an isometric landscape tile and a layered underwater scene using Pixilart.

Target skills:

• Visual Communication
• Digital Illustration
• Creative Problem Solving

Tools:

• Pixilart

Outputs:

• Isometric landscape design
• Underwater scene PNG

Week 1 - Isometric Landscape

Lesson 1 - Isometric Tile Scene

Goal: create an isometric block and then build a small landscape on top of it.

Teacher prep:

• Review isometric basics and where ISO and Mirror X are found

Steps:

1. Draw the isometric brick first, then add a new layer for the landscape.
   
   
   
2. Open a 200 x 200 canvas.
   
3. Use the line tool with ISO ON and Mirror X ON to draw the box.
   
4. Color in the box sections.
   
5. Create a new layer and draw the landscape objects with no stamps.
   
6. Save to Google Drive.
7. If there is time, delete the object layer and try a second design.
   

Check for understanding:

• Students create a readable isometric block.
• Students place custom objects on a separate layer.

Extension:

• Try waterfalls, tents, or a small village.

Lesson 2 - Continue the Isometric Design

Goal: improve or remake the landscape with a new idea.

Teacher prep:

• Encourage students to vary the object mix on top of the tile

Steps:

1. Reopen the first isometric design.
2. Continue improving the object layer or start a new composition.
3. Save the updated design.

Check for understanding:

• Students can explain what makes the scene isometric.
• The second version shows a new arrangement or idea.

Extension:

• Build multiple tiles with different themes.

Week 2 - Underwater Scene

Lesson 1 - Layered Underwater Art

Goal: build an underwater scene using separate layers for water, coral, and fish.

Teacher prep:

• Review layer order before students begin

Steps:

1. Set the background water color, then plan layer order: coral and rocks, fish, and surface gradient.
   
2. Use a 256 x 144 canvas.
3. Use the gradient tool with Bayer dithering for the water background.
   
   
4. Create a CORAL layer and draw coral, rocks, and foliage.
   
   
5. Create a FISH layer and draw fish.
   
6. Save to Google Drive in the student folder.

Check for understanding:

• Students use separate layers for environment and animals.
• The scene reads clearly as underwater.

Extension:

• Add bubbles, treasure, or a large sea creature.

Lesson 2 - Repeat the Underwater Scene

Goal: continue the underwater illustration or create a second variation.

Teacher prep:

• Encourage students to try different color palettes or sea life

Steps:

1. Reopen the previous file.
2. Add more fish or coral, or begin a new underwater design.
3. Save the updated or new scene.

Check for understanding:

• Students continue with clear layer separation.
• The scene shows new details or a new composition.

Extension:

• Try a deep-sea or reef version.