8-10 yrs old
11-13 yrs old
Art and Design
Social and Emotional Health
Students use Minecraft blocks as “pixels” to produce pixel art versions of themselves, portrait or full body.
November 1, 2016
Famous Self-Portraits from the World
Check out these artists' self-portraits
Introduce students to the challenge. Show examples of pixel art in Minecraft and other games. Show examples of pixel art self-portraits. Explain how pixel art has limited details, and that they can choose one of three sizes to work from: 16x16, 32x32, or 48x48 pixels. Allow students to work independently or in pairs.
Brainstorm:
• Have students research pixel art for inspiration.
• Help them choose a size based on their Minecraft skill (16x16, 32x32, or 48x48)
• If possible, allow students to use a webcam to take their own headshot. Have them zoom or shrink the image to see what it looks like on a small scale.
• Also if possible, allow students to print images for easy reference.
Prototype:
• Give students a few minutes of planning time with graph paper before going into Minecraft. Ask them to strategize which blocks they will use for each color used in their art. Much of the time, colored wool blocks will suffice, but sometimes more subtle colors require other blocks.
* Have students enter the game and find a space to build. Be sure no one goes too far away from start but that everyone still feels comfortable with their proximity to their neighbors. As they build, float around to offer support. Be sure students are titling and signing their work.
Share:
Let students explore and see the progress of the others and leave positive feedback signs.
Optional:
Students can share suggestions on feedback signs as well.
Finish + Reflect:
Give students some time to make final adjustments to their work and to take screenshots to document what they achieved.