Lesson Title The Geometry of Paul Goble’s Artwork                         
Grade Level:  4–8

This lesson combines Nebraska Mathematics and National Visual Arts Standards.  Students will examine the concepts of geometry used by Paul Goble in his book Adopted By The Eagles.  After analyzing Mr. Goble’s work students will create an original piece featuring symmetry, pattern, repetition, and other principles of geometry.  Students will design their project around a natural setting of their choice.

Art Exemplar
Title:  Illustration from Adopted By The Eagles    
Artist: Paul Goble (b. 1933)
Medium: watercolor, gouache, ink
Plate/Date: 1994

• Students will identify concepts of geometry by examining the work of Paul Goble.
• Students will identify, describe, and create pattern and symmetry by observing and learning about Paul Goble’s paintings from his book, Adopted By The Eagles, then create their own piece.
• Students will demonstrate knowledge of symmetry, balance, and repetition by creating and using two-dimensional stamps in their own art pieces.
• Students will apply knowledge of pattern and repetition by utilizing geometric figures to create symmetry, congruence, translations, rotations, or turns, reflections, and scale in their own work.
• Students will illustrate how rubber stamps can produce geometric concepts by creating pattern and repetitions with various organizations in their artwork.

1. Teach concepts of Geometry.
2. Discuss the geometrical features of Paul Goble’s illustrations in Adopted By The Eagles.
3. Background of artwork and artist, Paul Goble:
   • Paul Goble is an award winning author and illustrator of children’s books.  Goble was born in 1933 in Haselmere, England.
   •   He studied industrial design and worked for years as a furniture designer, industrial consultant, and art instructor.
   • Goble initially visited the United States in 1959.
   •   He published his first children’s book while living in England. He returned to the U.S. and became a citizen in 1984.
   • Goble’s fascination with Native Americans began during his childhood.  His books and illustration retell traditional Native American stories. His illustrations accurately depict Native American clothing, customs, and surroundings in brilliant color and detail.
   • Mr. Goble has received a number of honors for his books, the most important of which is the 1978 Caldecott Medal for The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses.
   • Mr. Goble has given the MONA original illustrations from two of his books.  The volume of his work was given to the South Dakota Art Museum in Brooking, S.D.
4. Give students the opportunity to read through and look at a selection of Paul Goble’s books.  Have upper elementary students read the stories to younger children.
5. As a class, carefully observe Goble’s illustrations from Adopted By The Eagles.  Guide discussion to the geometric figures found in the work.

1. Students create wildlife sketches using gesture and contour drawing styles.
2. Using Styrofoam trays, students will recreate one of their drawn images onto the printing surface of the tray.
3. After practicing quality print methods, students should produce 5 prints using their wildlife sketches.
4. Students revise and edit narrative compositions to complete a final draft.

1. Review geometric concepts found in Goble’s images.
   With the class, locate and identify geometric principles students used in their work.

Science
•   Explore other examples of symmetry and pattern that can be found in the natural world.
Social Studies
•   Learn more about the culture of Plains Indian Nations.  Find visuals to go with your study.  The MONA has a great selection of these.
Language Arts
•   Paul Goble retold Native American stories in his books and with his art.  Have students write about their art.  What story does your picture tell?
Music
•   Obtain CD’s featuring Indian flute, drums, etc.  Prairie Edge Trading Company and Galleries, 6th & Main, Rapid City, SD.