This archived Art and design scheme of work video is part of a lesson in which pupils explore the formal element of tone by creating realistic-looking planets.

Children begin by drawing a circle to form the base of their planet, then experiment with chalks and pastels to match the colours they need. They learn how to hold and use the side of the chalk to create smooth effects, and how blending with cotton wool can soften tones and add depth. Pupils gradually build layers of light and dark areas, giving their planets a three-dimensional appearance. Once complete, the planets are cut out and mounted on dark backgrounds, enhancing their shape and impact.

This activity builds pupils’ confidence in shading and blending techniques while showing how tone can be used to transform flat shapes into 3D forms.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s archived Year 2 Formal elements of art unit.

See more of our original Key stage 1 Art and design scheme of work.

Art and design, Key stage 1, Formal elements of art, Lesson 5: Tone 2: 3D colour drawings – Option 1.