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All grades  Project 4 weeks

"Habitat Hullabaloo: Cardboard Creatures Unite!"

Yvonne L
FA.A.2.2C
FA.A.MS3.2C
FA.A.3.2C
Self Directed Learning
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
+ 1 more
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Purpose

Students will engage in a hands-on exploration of animal habitats through the creation of 3D sculptures using recycled materials. This project encourages collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking as students research and represent the unique characteristics of their chosen habitats. Suggested children's books such as "Over and Under the Pond" by Kate Messner or "The Great Kapok Tree" by Lynne Cherry can introduce and inspire students about animal habitats. By integrating art with environmental awareness, students will practice effective communication and self-directed learning, culminating in a library exhibition where they present their work and reflect on their artistic journey. Each session will include opportunities to engage, discover, engineer, discuss, improve, share, and evaluate, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.

Learning goals

Students will explore the characteristics of various animal habitats and creatively represent them using recycled materials, with suggested readings such as "Over and Under the Pond" by Kate Messner and "The Great Kapok Tree" by Lynne Cherry to introduce these concepts. They will engage in collaborative goal-setting and teamwork to construct a composite habitat, enhancing their communication and problem-solving skills. Through self-reflection and peer feedback, students will refine their artistic processes and articulate their learning through artist statements. The project culminates in an exhibition, where students will present their work, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental sustainability and artistic expression. Daily activities will include sections for engaging with new concepts, discovering techniques, engineering solutions, discussing progress, improving designs, and sharing and evaluating outcomes.
Standards
  • FA.A.2.2C - identify and practice skills necessary for producing drawings, paintings, prints, constructions, and sculpture, including modeled forms, using a variety of materials.
  • FA.A.MS3.2C - create artworks by selecting appropriate art materials, including drawings, paintings, prints, sculptures/modeled forms, ceramics, fiber art, photographic imagery, and digital art and media
  • FA.A.3.2C - produce drawings; paintings; prints; sculpture, including modeled forms; and other art forms such as ceramics, fiber art, constructions, mixed media, installation art, digital art and media, and photographic imagery using a variety of materials.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.

Products

Throughout this learning experience, students will create individual 3D habitat sculptures using recycled materials, showcasing their chosen animal and its environment. They will collaboratively assemble these individual pieces into a larger, composite habitat exhibit for display in the library. Each student will write an artist statement reflecting on their creative process and the effectiveness of their portrayal. The project will culminate in an exhibition where students present and discuss their work, using structured critique sessions to refine their communication and critical thinking skills. Suggested children's books, such as "Over and Under the Pond" by Kate Messner and "The Great Kapok Tree" by Lynne Cherry, will introduce and deepen understanding of animal habitats.

Launch

Begin the project with an interactive exploration session using a virtual tour of diverse ecosystems, complemented by reading suggested children's books like "Over in the Jungle" by Marianne Berkes and "A Walk in the Rainforest" by Kristin Joy Pratt. Encourage students to observe and document specific animal habitats using sketches and notes. Facilitate a group discussion on the importance of preserving these habitats and the role of recycled materials in art. Conclude the launch by having students select an animal and habitat for their sculpture, setting the stage for their creative journey.

Exhibition

Students will showcase their completed 3D habitat sculptures in a dynamic exhibition at the school library. Each student will present their work alongside an artist statement, explaining their creative process and the unique characteristics of the habitat they portrayed. The exhibition will include a structured ABBA conversation circle, where students will engage in peer feedback and reflection, fostering a deeper understanding of their artistic choices and the use of recycled materials. To introduce the exhibition, suggested children's books about animal habitats will be displayed, providing context and enriching the learning experience for visitors. This public display will invite the school community to explore and appreciate the creativity and collaboration involved in the project.