As students worked through the scaffolding stages of their legendary creatures unit, they were introduced to the project goals, given front-loading questions, and participated in artist research. During each one of these stages, students engaged in discussion and data collection that would inform their final projects.  Specific lesson vocabulary and related artists were also provided to assist students' independent research. As a final stage of the ideation process, students were asked to begin sketching ideas and developing narratives for their creatures that made use of the project goals of connecting their personal relationships to objects, spaces, and nature. This is in line with the Colorado Visual Arts Standards of Observe and Learn to Comprehend, Relate and Connect to Transfer, and Invent and Discover to Create.

Throughout the lesson, students were asked to identify personal connections to the concepts of safety, nature, and mythology as well as form and content to develop their unique approach to problem solving, design, and artistic voice.