Home » Teach » Lesson Plans » Lesson 6: Mixing Colors

Lesson 6: Mixing Colors

Overview

We will mix six new colors using primary colors, black and white. Students will be able to to mix primary colors to make secondary colors. Students will understand that mixing a color with white makes a tint. Students will understand that mixing a color with black creates a shade.

Grade Level

3-8

Media

Paper Mâché, Sculpture

Lessons In Unit

10

  • Unit & Lessons
  • Teaching Tools

Materials

  • Paint
  • Drawing paper
  • Paint brushes
  • Paper towels
  • Table coverings

Activities

Step 1

Discuss the primary colors and how they can be mixed to make other colors. Ask students to share colors they know how to mix.

Step 2

Demonstrate mixing secondary colors, tints, and shades.

Step 3

Have students mix their three secondary colors and three additional colors of their choosing.

Reflection

Students will turn and talk with a partner about the color mixing process. They will reflect on any feelings or memories they associate with the colors they made.

Writing Prompt (Optional):

Students will use sentence starters to write about the color mixing process. They will reflect on how the colors made them feel and what the colors remind them of. 

Students will write using the following sentence starters:

I think this artist made this color by mixing _______ and _______.
I would name this color ___________.
This color reminds me of _________.
It also reminds me of ______________.

Vocabulary

Tint, shade, primary colors, secondary colors

Resources

My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss (Author), Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher (Illustrators)