Sixth graders were allowed to choose any animal they wanted and had to draw a simplified version of it.  They then filled it in using ink patterns.  Students then used watercolor to finish their piece. 
 
Students experimented with the ancient Japanese art of paper marbling.  This is achieved by floating suminagshi ink on water then placing paper on top to absorb in unique ink design.  The next class sixth graders were introduced to Japanese calligraphy and the art of writing.
Materials: Suminagshi ink, water, large tubs, soap, 9x12 rice paper, bamboo brushes, calligraphy handout
Vocab: Suminagshi, Calligraphy