Learning Journey
Project Activities
Days 1 - 4
Activities
Virtual Ecosystem Exploration
Activity

Begin with an interactive exploration session using a virtual tour of diverse ecosystems to observe and document animal habitats through sketches and notes

Nature Exploration
Activity

Students visit a local nature reserve or take a virtual tour of diverse ecosystems, documenting animal habitats with sketches and notes

Ecosystem Exploration Session
Activity

Begin with a virtual tour of diverse ecosystems using interactive digital tools to identify characteristics of different habitats; students document observations using sketches and notes

Virtual Ecosystem Tour
Activity

Begin with an interactive exploration session using a virtual tour of diverse ecosystems to introduce various animal habitats

Engage: Explore Virtual Ecosystems
Activity

Begin with a virtual tour of diverse ecosystems, encouraging students to observe and document animal habitats using sketches and notes.

Virtual Ecosystem Tour
Activity

Begin the project with an interactive exploration session using a virtual tour of diverse ecosystems to introduce students to various animal habitats

Book Reading and Discussion
Activity

Read 'Over in the Jungle' by Marianne Berkes and 'A Walk in the Rainforest' by Kristin Joy Pratt, followed by a group discussion on the importance of preserving habitats and the role of recycled materials in art

Introduction to Animal Habitats Through Literature
Activity

Read and discuss 'Over in the Jungle' by Marianne Berkes and 'A Walk in the Rainforest' by Kristin Joy Pratt to introduce students to animal habitats

Read-Aloud and Discussion
Activity

Read "Over in the Jungle" by Marianne Berkes and "A Walk in the Rainforest" by Kristin Joy Pratt, followed by a group discussion on the importance of preserving animal habitats

Discover: Group Discussion on Habitats
Activity

Facilitate a discussion on the importance of preserving these habitats and the role of recycled materials in art.

Group Discussion
Activity

Facilitate a conversation on the importance of preserving habitats and the role of recycled materials in art

Book Reading and Discussion
Activity

Read 'Over in the Jungle' by Marianne Berkes and 'A Walk in the Rainforest' by Kristin Joy Pratt to inspire students about animal habitats

Sketch and Note-taking
Activity

Encourage students to observe and document specific animal habitats by creating sketches and taking notes during the virtual tour and book discussions

Habitat Selection
Activity

Students select an animal and its habitat for their sculpture, setting personal goals for their creative journey

Group Discussion on Environmental Preservation
Activity

Facilitate a conversation on the importance of preserving habitats and the role of recycled materials in art; students contribute ideas for sustainable practices

Select Animal and Habitat
Activity

Facilitate students in selecting an animal and habitat for their sculpture, setting the stage for their creative journey and project goals

Engineer: Habitat Selection
Activity

Students select an animal and its habitat for their sculpture, setting the stage for their creative journey.

Sketch and Document Animal Habitats
Activity

Encourage students to observe and document specific animal habitats using sketches and notes

Group Discussion on Habitat Preservation
Activity

Facilitate a discussion on the importance of preserving habitats and the role of recycled materials in art

Animal and Habitat Selection
Activity

Facilitate a session where students select an animal and habitat to focus on for their 3D sculpture project, setting the stage for their creative journey

Animal and Habitat Selection
Activity

Students choose an animal and its habitat for their sculpture project, setting individual goals for research and creation

Talk About It: Goal Setting
Activity

Collaboratively set individual and group goals for creating the habitat sculptures, focusing on collaboration and creativity.

Make It Better: Reflect and Adjust
Activity

Reflect on selected goals and adjust plans based on peer feedback.

Share & Evaluate: Present Initial Ideas
Activity

Share selected animals and habitats with the class, receiving feedback and suggestions for improvement.

Research Animal Habitats
Activity

Students research their chosen animal and its habitat using books like 'The Great Kapok Tree' by Lynne Cherry to gather specific details for their sculptures

Animal Habitat Research
Activity

Students conduct research on their selected animal's habitat characteristics using suggested children's books like 'The Great Kapok Tree' by Lynne Cherry to deepen their understanding

Engage: Recycled Materials Scavenger Hunt
Activity

Search for and gather recycled materials in designated classroom areas to use in the sculptures, discussing their potential uses.

Research and Sketch
Activity

Explore children's books on animal habitats like 'Over and Under the Pond' and 'The Great Kapok Tree' to gather inspiration and sketch chosen animal habitats

Research and Sketch Session
Activity

Students research their chosen animal and habitat using books like 'Over and Under the Pond' by Kate Messner and 'The Great Kapok Tree' by Lynne Cherry, followed by sketching initial design concepts

Research Review
Activity

Students share their findings on chosen animal habitats with peers, clarifying any questions and gathering additional insights

Material Exploration
Activity

Students experiment with different recycled materials to understand their properties and potential uses in sculpture

Group Discussion and Idea Sharing
Activity

Students share their research findings with peers and discuss how they can incorporate these elements into their sculptures, fostering collaboration and effective communication

Material Exploration and Selection
Activity

Explore and select appropriate recycled materials for the sculpture, emphasizing sustainable practices and creativity

Material Exploration
Activity

Investigate and select recycled materials that can be used to create textures and forms for the habitat sculpture

Discover: Techniques for Cardboard Sculpting
Activity

Demonstrate and practice techniques for cutting, bending, and joining cardboard to form 3D shapes.

Sketching and Planning
Activity

Students create detailed sketches of their animal and habitat, labeling key features to include in their 3D sculptures

Goal Setting
Activity

Facilitate a session where students set individual goals for their 3D habitat sculpture, focusing on collaboration and creativity

Collaborative Planning Discussion
Activity

Discuss and set group goals for the composite habitat, ensuring alignment of individual projects with the group vision

Collaborative Planning
Activity

In small groups, discuss and plan the layout of the composite habitat, setting individual goals for sculpture contributions

Engineer: Initial Construction
Activity

Begin constructing the base of the animal habitat using gathered materials and practiced techniques.

Goal Setting for Sculpture Creation
Activity

In groups, students set specific goals for their individual sculptures, focusing on how to represent the foreground, middle ground, and background effectively

Design Brainstorm
Activity

Students sketch initial design ideas for their 3D habitat sculpture, focusing on foreground, middle ground, and background elements

Talk About It: Design Challenges
Activity

Discuss challenges encountered during construction and brainstorm possible solutions with peers.

Make It Better: Adjust Plans
Activity

Modify construction plans based on peer suggestions and feasibility of materials.

Constructing 3D Base
Activity

Students begin by constructing the base of their 3D habitat sculpture using cardboard and recycled materials, ensuring structural stability

Final Sculpture Assembly
Activity

Students collaboratively assemble their individual habitat sculptures into the composite exhibit, ensuring alignment with group vision

Sculpture Construction
Activity

Students finalize their 3D habitat sculptures using recycled materials, ensuring all chosen elements are included and effectively represent their animal's environment

Engage: Final Touches
Activity

Begin with a brief discussion to identify final touches needed for the sculptures, ensuring all elements of the habitat are included.

Final Sculpture Assembly
Activity

Collaboratively combine individual 3D sculptures to create a larger composite habitat for display, ensuring all elements are securely attached and aesthetically cohesive

Group Reflection and Goal Adjustment
Activity

Engage in a structured conversation using the ABBA format to critique work and adjust goals based on feedback

Discover: Artist Statement Workshop
Activity

Guide students in writing their artist statements, focusing on explaining their creative process and the characteristics of their habitat.

Artist Statement Drafting
Activity

Begin writing artist statements, focusing on the creative process and the effectiveness of habitat portrayal

Reflection and Artist Statement Drafting
Activity

Students draft their artist statements reflecting on their creative process and the characteristics of their chosen habitat

Peer Critique Session
Activity

Engage in a structured ABBA conversation circle to provide and receive constructive feedback on sculptures, focusing on the use of recycled materials and portrayal of habitats

Adding Key Features
Activity

Students incorporate key features of their chosen habitat into the sculpture, focusing on foreground, middle ground, and background elements

Peer Critique Session
Activity

Students engage in a structured ABBA conversation circle to provide and receive feedback on their sculptures, focusing on the use of materials and representation of animal habitats

Collaborative Habitat Assembly Planning
Activity

Plan the assembly of individual sculptures into a composite habitat for the exhibition

Feedback Session
Activity

Facilitate peer feedback using structured conversation techniques like ABBA to critique work and suggest improvements

Engineer: Complete Sculptures
Activity

Allow time for students to finish their sculptures, incorporating any last adjustments or details.

Artist Statement Drafting
Activity

Students begin writing their artist statements, reflecting on their creative process and the choices made in their sculptures

Peer Feedback Session
Activity

Use structured ABBA conversation circles to provide and receive feedback on sculptures and artist statements

Artist Statement Drafting
Activity

Write a reflective artist statement that discusses creative process, challenges faced, and how the use of recycled materials contributed to the artwork

Talk About It: Peer Feedback Session
Activity

Pair students to exchange feedback on their sculptures and artist statements, encouraging constructive critique.

Make It Better: Refine Based on Feedback
Activity

Provide time for students to refine their sculptures and statements based on peer feedback.

Final Touches and Details
Activity

Students refine their 3D habitat sculptures by adding final details and ensuring all elements are securely attached

Final Adjustments and Sculpture Assembly
Activity

Make any final adjustments to individual sculptures and collaboratively assemble them into the composite habitat exhibit

Exhibition Layout Planning
Activity

Plan the layout of the exhibition in the library and determine the placement of each sculpture

Artist Statement Writing
Activity

Students compose their artist statement reflecting on their creative process, use of recycled materials, and the characteristics of their animal habitat

Exhibition Preparation
Activity

Facilitate a session to arrange and prepare sculptures for the school library exhibition, including setting up display areas and practicing presentation skills

Final Artist Statement Review
Activity

Review and finalize artist statements, ensuring they clearly articulate the creative process and habitat portrayal

Exhibition Set-Up
Activity

Begin setting up the exhibition space in the library, arranging sculptures and artist statements for display