Image creation & editing

Digital Images

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Welcome to Digital Images! In this strand, you will master creating digital art, capturing photos, using layers, editing pictures, designing vector graphics, and ethical media remixing.

Level 1

Paint & Tools

Digital painting and basic art tools.

Learning objective

Learning About: Painting. Learning To: Digital art. Learning To Be: Inquirer.

Let's Go!

Learn

Digital painting software gives you an endless canvas! You can choose different brush textures, change colors instantly, and undo mistakes without wasting paper.

Curriculum Level:Level 1
๐Ÿฅž
Level 1: Stacking Order (Z-Index)

Reorder layers using โฌ†๏ธ Up and โฌ‡๏ธ Down to move shapes in front of or behind other elements.

โ˜๏ธ
โ˜๏ธ
๐ŸŒฒ
โ›บ
๐ŸŒฒ

Layers Palette

5 Layers
โ ฟโ›บForeground Camp
โ ฟโ›ฐ๏ธMountain Range
โ ฟโ˜๏ธPassing Clouds
โ ฟโ˜€๏ธSun
โ ฟ๐ŸŒŒSky Background

Try it yourself

Paint your first digital artwork

๐ŸŒŸ Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)โ–พ

๐ŸŽฏ Task Success Criteria (Rubric)

Foundation

Use digital painting tool.

Developing

Select brush size/colour.

Secure (Goal)

Change art with a filter.

Mastery

Compare paper vs digital art.

๐Ÿ‘€ What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)

Exemplar Standard

A top-tier student project for Paint & Tools includes:

  • Core Deliverable: Paint your first digital artwork
  • Target Quality: Change art with a filter.
  • Excellence & Polish: Compare paper vs digital art.
๐Ÿ“
Save to Your Website Portfolio:

When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!

โญSelf-Assessment: How confident do you feel with this skill?

Reflect

How did changing brush sizes and colors help you express your artistic ideas?

Low
High

Learning check

Learning Check

Which tool icon is used to fill a whole shape with color instantly in a paint app?

Select the matching icon or option below:

Answer correctly to unlock the next level.

Great โ€” the paint bucket fills enclosed shapes with color instantly!Look closely at the icons โ€” which one looks like a bucket of paint tipping over?
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors

Spark support

Routine: See, Think, Wonder

Achievement pathway

  • Foundation: Use digital painting tool.
  • Developing: Select brush size/colour.
  • Secure: Change art with a filter.
  • Mastering: Compare paper vs digital art.

Curriculum links

Curriculum strand: LC.01.B.3.6

Outcome: IMG-O-01 โ€” Digital painting and basic art tools.

PYP: Form ยท Expression takes many forms through creative technology.

Learner profile: Inquirer

Competency tags

  • digital-art
  • painting
  • creative-expression

Gate support

Accessibility alternative:

Teacher override: allow

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Locked level

Level 2: Photos & Framing

Complete the previous learning check to unlock this next level.

Level 2

Photos & Framing

Digital photography and framing composition.

Learning objective

Learning About: Photography. Learning To: Frame shots. Learning To Be: Communicator.

Let's Go!

Learn

Taking great digital photos requires good framing and steady focus. Holding your camera steady, using natural light, and keeping subject in focus makes your pictures clear and engaging.

Curriculum Level:Level 1
๐Ÿฅž
Level 1: Stacking Order (Z-Index)

Reorder layers using โฌ†๏ธ Up and โฌ‡๏ธ Down to move shapes in front of or behind other elements.

โ˜๏ธ
โ˜๏ธ
๐ŸŒฒ
โ›บ
๐ŸŒฒ

Layers Palette

5 Layers
โ ฟโ›บForeground Camp
โ ฟโ›ฐ๏ธMountain Range
โ ฟโ˜๏ธPassing Clouds
โ ฟโ˜€๏ธSun
โ ฟ๐ŸŒŒSky Background

Try it yourself

Capture and insert a photo

๐ŸŒŸ Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)โ–พ

๐ŸŽฏ Task Success Criteria (Rubric)

Foundation

Take a digital photo.

Developing

Resize image in document.

Secure (Goal)

Create content for purpose.

Mastery

Evaluate image suitability.

๐Ÿ‘€ What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)

Exemplar Standard

A top-tier student project for Photos & Framing includes:

  • Core Deliverable: Capture and insert a photo
  • Target Quality: Create content for purpose.
  • Excellence & Polish: Evaluate image suitability.
๐Ÿ“
Save to Your Website Portfolio:

When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!

โญSelf-Assessment: How confident do you feel with this skill?

Reflect

What made the biggest difference in making your photograph clear and well-framed?

Low
High

Learning check

Learning Check

What is the best way to avoid blurry photos when taking a digital picture?

Choose the correct answer below.

Answer correctly to unlock the next level.

Correct! Keeping the device steady and tapping the subject focuses the lens clearly.Think about what causes blurriness โ€” shaking or moving the camera while taking the shot!
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors

Spark support

Routine: Zoom In

Achievement pathway

  • Foundation: Take a digital photo.
  • Developing: Resize image in document.
  • Secure: Create content for purpose.
  • Mastering: Evaluate image suitability.

Curriculum links

Curriculum strand: CM.01.B.1.2

Outcome: IMG-O-02 โ€” Digital photography and framing composition.

PYP: Function ยท Visual images communicate messages across languages.

Learner profile: Communicator

Competency tags

  • digital-photography
  • framing
  • camera-skills

Gate support

Accessibility alternative:

Teacher override: allow

Back to top

Locked level

Level 3: Layers & Overlay

Complete the previous learning check to unlock this next level.

Level 3

Layers & Overlay

Layering, text overlay, and composite images.

Learning objective

Learning About: Layers. Learning To: Combine graphics. Learning To Be: Thinker.

Let's Go!

Learn

Layers work like transparent sheets stacked on top of each other! You can edit a background photo on Layer 1 while adding drawings or titles on Layer 2 without ruining the photo underneath.

Curriculum Level:Level 1
๐Ÿฅž
Level 1: Stacking Order (Z-Index)

Reorder layers using โฌ†๏ธ Up and โฌ‡๏ธ Down to move shapes in front of or behind other elements.

โ˜๏ธ
โ˜๏ธ
๐ŸŒฒ
โ›บ
๐ŸŒฒ

Layers Palette

5 Layers
โ ฟโ›บForeground Camp
โ ฟโ›ฐ๏ธMountain Range
โ ฟโ˜๏ธPassing Clouds
โ ฟโ˜€๏ธSun
โ ฟ๐ŸŒŒSky Background

Try it yourself

Build a multi-layer composite image

๐ŸŒŸ Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)โ–พ

๐ŸŽฏ Task Success Criteria (Rubric)

Foundation

Create simple Drawing.

Developing

Place text over image.

Secure (Goal)

Create conceptual meme/poster.

Mastery

Describe layer usage.

๐Ÿ‘€ What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)

Exemplar Standard

A top-tier student project for Layers & Overlay includes:

  • Core Deliverable: Build a multi-layer composite image
  • Target Quality: Create conceptual meme/poster.
  • Excellence & Polish: Describe layer usage.
๐Ÿ“
Save to Your Website Portfolio:

When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!

โญSelf-Assessment: How confident do you feel with this skill?

Reflect

Why is working with layers easier than drawing directly on top of a background photo?

Low
High

Learning check

Learning Check

If you want text to appear on top of a photo background in Google Drawings or Canva, which layer should the text be on?

Choose the best option.

Answer correctly to unlock the next level.

Correct! Layers on top stack over layers underneath, keeping text clearly visible.Think about stacked sheets of paper โ€” the sheet on top is what you see first!
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors

Spark support

Routine: Think, Puzzle, Explore

Achievement pathway

  • Foundation: Create simple Drawing.
  • Developing: Place text over image.
  • Secure: Create conceptual meme/poster.
  • Mastering: Describe layer usage.

Curriculum links

Curriculum strand: LC.02.B.3.6

Outcome: IMG-O-03 โ€” Layering, text overlay, and composite images.

PYP: Connection ยท Combining media layers creates richer visual storytelling.

Learner profile: Thinker

Competency tags

  • layers
  • graphic-design
  • composite-images

Gate support

Accessibility alternative:

Teacher override: allow

Back to top

Locked level

Level 4: Crop & Filters

Complete the previous learning check to unlock this next level.

Level 4

Crop & Filters

Cropping, aspect ratio, and non-destructive filtering.

Learning objective

Learning About: Image Editing. Learning To: Crop & filter. Learning To Be: Principled.

Let's Go!

Learn

Editing photos allows you to refine your message. Cropping removes unwanted background distractions, while adjusting brightness, contrast, or filters changes the mood and tone of your image.

Curriculum Level:Level 1
๐Ÿฅž
Level 1: Stacking Order (Z-Index)

Reorder layers using โฌ†๏ธ Up and โฌ‡๏ธ Down to move shapes in front of or behind other elements.

โ˜๏ธ
โ˜๏ธ
๐ŸŒฒ
โ›บ
๐ŸŒฒ

Layers Palette

5 Layers
โ ฟโ›บForeground Camp
โ ฟโ›ฐ๏ธMountain Range
โ ฟโ˜๏ธPassing Clouds
โ ฟโ˜€๏ธSun
โ ฟ๐ŸŒŒSky Background

Try it yourself

Crop and filter a photo

๐ŸŒŸ Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)โ–พ

๐ŸŽฏ Task Success Criteria (Rubric)

Foundation

Crop an image.

Developing

Apply simple photo filters.

Secure (Goal)

Edit based on feedback.

Mastery

Use copyright-free pics.

๐Ÿ‘€ What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)

Exemplar Standard

A top-tier student project for Crop & Filters includes:

  • Core Deliverable: Crop and filter a photo
  • Target Quality: Edit based on feedback.
  • Excellence & Polish: Use copyright-free pics.
๐Ÿ“
Save to Your Website Portfolio:

When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!

โญSelf-Assessment: How confident do you feel with this skill?

Reflect

How did cropping the photo improve its focus and impact for the reader?

Low
High

Learning check

Learning Check

What does the 'Crop' tool do to an image?

Select the correct definition.

Answer correctly to unlock the next level.

Correct! Cropping trims away outer edges to focus on the key subject.Think about taking a pair of digital scissors to trim around the main object!
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors

Spark support

Routine: See, Think, Wonder

Achievement pathway

  • Foundation: Crop an image.
  • Developing: Apply simple photo filters.
  • Secure: Edit based on feedback.
  • Mastering: Use copyright-free pics.

Curriculum links

Curriculum strand: CM.02.B.1.1

Outcome: IMG-O-04 โ€” Cropping, aspect ratio, and non-destructive filtering.

PYP: Change ยท Modifying digital artifacts changes their tone and message.

Learner profile: Principled

Competency tags

  • image-editing
  • cropping
  • photo-filters

Gate support

Accessibility alternative:

Teacher override: allow

Back to top

Locked level

Level 5: Vector Design

Complete the previous learning check to unlock this next level.

Level 5

Vector Design

Vector graphics, resizable paths, and object grouping.

Learning objective

Learning About: Vector Art. Learning To: Draw paths & shapes. Learning To Be: Knowledgeable.

Let's Go!

Learn

Vector design software uses shapes (rectangles, circles, curves) that can be grouped, reordered, aligned, and scaled endlessly without losing quality.

Curriculum Level:Level 1
๐Ÿฅž
Level 1: Stacking Order (Z-Index)

Reorder layers using โฌ†๏ธ Up and โฌ‡๏ธ Down to move shapes in front of or behind other elements.

โ˜๏ธ
โ˜๏ธ
๐ŸŒฒ
โ›บ
๐ŸŒฒ

Layers Palette

5 Layers
โ ฟโ›บForeground Camp
โ ฟโ›ฐ๏ธMountain Range
โ ฟโ˜๏ธPassing Clouds
โ ฟโ˜€๏ธSun
โ ฟ๐ŸŒŒSky Background

Try it yourself

Design a multi-shape vector icon

๐ŸŒŸ Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)โ–พ

๐ŸŽฏ Task Success Criteria (Rubric)

Foundation

Use AutoDraw/vector icons.

Developing

Group multiple objects.

Secure (Goal)

Create layered vector graphic.

Mastery

Evaluate audience impact.

๐Ÿ‘€ What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)

Exemplar Standard

A top-tier student project for Vector Design includes:

  • Core Deliverable: Design a multi-shape vector icon
  • Target Quality: Create layered vector graphic.
  • Excellence & Polish: Evaluate audience impact.
๐Ÿ“
Save to Your Website Portfolio:

When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!

โญSelf-Assessment: How confident do you feel with this skill?

Reflect

What is the key advantage of vector graphics when scaling up an icon for a large poster?

Low
High

Learning check

Learning Check

Why do vector graphics stay sharp and clean even when enlarged to the size of a billboard?

Choose the best option.

Answer correctly to unlock the next level.

Correct! Vector math recalculates paths instantly so graphics never pixelate when enlarged.Think about the difference between a grid of tiny color squares vs exact mathematical geometric shapes!
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors

Spark support

Routine: BeforeAfterSlider

Achievement pathway

  • Foundation: Use AutoDraw/vector icons.
  • Developing: Group multiple objects.
  • Secure: Create layered vector graphic.
  • Mastering: Evaluate audience impact.

Curriculum links

Curriculum strand: CM.03.B.1.1

Outcome: IMG-O-05 โ€” Vector graphics, resizable paths, and object grouping.

PYP: Perspective ยท Vector shapes allow resolution-independent graphic design.

Learner profile: Knowledgeable

Competency tags

  • vector-graphics
  • shapes
  • autodraw
  • grouping

Gate support

Accessibility alternative:

Teacher override: allow

Back to top

Locked level

Level 6: Remix & Backgrounds

Complete the previous learning check to unlock this next level.

Level 6

Remix & Backgrounds

Background removal, media remixing, and ethical attribution.

Learning objective

Learning About: Media Remix. Learning To: Remove backgrounds & blend. Learning To Be: Reflective.

Let's Go!

Learn

Modern AI tools can instantly erase image backgrounds. Combining subjects from different photos allows you to create imaginative original compositions โ€” while properly citing your sources!

Curriculum Level:Level 1
๐Ÿฅž
Level 1: Stacking Order (Z-Index)

Reorder layers using โฌ†๏ธ Up and โฌ‡๏ธ Down to move shapes in front of or behind other elements.

โ˜๏ธ
โ˜๏ธ
๐ŸŒฒ
โ›บ
๐ŸŒฒ

Layers Palette

5 Layers
โ ฟโ›บForeground Camp
โ ฟโ›ฐ๏ธMountain Range
โ ฟโ˜๏ธPassing Clouds
โ ฟโ˜€๏ธSun
โ ฟ๐ŸŒŒSky Background

Try it yourself

Create an ethical media remix poster

๐ŸŒŸ Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)โ–พ

๐ŸŽฏ Task Success Criteria (Rubric)

Foundation

Remove photo background.

Developing

Use advanced removal tools.

Secure (Goal)

Remix for original art.

Mastery

Justify design choices & license.

๐Ÿ‘€ What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)

Exemplar Standard

A top-tier student project for Remix & Backgrounds includes:

  • Core Deliverable: Create an ethical media remix poster
  • Target Quality: Remix for original art.
  • Excellence & Polish: Justify design choices & license.
๐Ÿ“
Save to Your Website Portfolio:

When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!

โญSelf-Assessment: How confident do you feel with this skill?

Reflect

How did removing the background help you blend different image sources into a unified artwork?

Low
High

Learning check

Learning Check

When you use a Creative Commons image in your digital artwork remix, what must you always include?

Select the ethical choice below.

Answer correctly to complete this strand.

Correct! Attribution honors the original creator's work and follows Creative Commons licensing rules.Think about digital citizenship โ€” giving credit where credit is due!
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors

Spark support

Routine: Step Inside

Achievement pathway

  • Foundation: Remove photo background.
  • Developing: Use advanced removal tools.
  • Secure: Remix for original art.
  • Mastering: Justify design choices & license.

Curriculum links

Curriculum strand: CM.03.B.1.1

Outcome: IMG-O-06 โ€” Background removal, media remixing, and ethical attribution.

PYP: Reflection ยท Creative remixing requires technical skill and ethical respect for creators.

Learner profile: Reflective

Competency tags

  • background-removal
  • media-remix
  • copyright
  • creative-commons

Gate support

Accessibility alternative:

Teacher override: allow

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