See last post for related web-links

Lesson ideas:

First is a New Years Stamp collection design. Students choose to do a series of stamp sheets for a single year's animal or a line of present through future year stamp designs. This will be for my design class, which has a larger number of freshman students. Do a google image search for lots of great examples to show in class.

Second lesson would be for my drawing courses. They would roleplay an artist comissioned to create a design for a Chinese patron, who wishes to have an illustration of their own, a family member's or ancestor's Astrological influences. Students would be given a short description of their interaction with the client, their desires, and the birthdate, time and location of the person's birth. Something along the lines of:

"As you sit in quiet contemplation, an elderly woman in the finest of embroidered silks is assisted through the curtained threshold of your humble studio. You swiftly rise to perform a most respectful bow, and inquire as to her needs. She says "I desire a fine illustration of my ancestor's astrological horoscope, and it is you whom I have chosen to complete it." For a moment you stagger back in shock, then speak: "I am but a simple brush artist, and work in landscape alone! I fear I am not suitable knoweldgable to complete a horoscope of your ancestor, so must decline." The wizened old woman pierces you with a sharp glance and states, "I do not wish for my ancestor's horoscope. I desire an illustration of her zodiac animals, and you are indeed skilled enough for that task! Here is her birth information, and the charts you will need to complete the work." She places a heavy pouch of coin on your table, gives one last hard glance, and says, "Do not fail me."

Students will be given their prompt sheet with birth data. Each table of students is provided with a research "tome" with information on all zodiac animals, charts to determine first, and perhaps other pillars. I'm thinking of actually having students chart the first, second, and third, since I have charts for those...then if they want to do an illustration with more than the first pillar, give extra credit for going online, locating the longetude and latidude, and running a 4 pillars calculator to determine accurate results.

Input and resources are appreciated.