12th Grade  Project 5 weeks

Snorkeling Sculptures: Ocean Art Adventure

Alexis S
Collaboration
Effective Communication
Self Directed Learning
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Content Expertise
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Purpose

Immerse yourself in the exploration of La Jolla's ocean life through both practical and artistic lenses, developing skills in snorkeling and ceramics. Engage in authentic collaboration with peers to co-design and lead this journey, drawing inspiration from the ocean's biodiversity to inform your ceramic creations. Strengthen critical thinking by addressing environmental questions that matter to your local community, and master effective communication through reflection, presentation, and exhibition of your ceramics and snorkeling experiences. Embrace self-directed learning by utilizing reflection and feedback to enhance your understanding and artistry. Conclude with a tangible product—a ceramic collection and a field journal—demonstrating your newfound expertise and insights.

Learning goals

Explore the connections between the biodiversity of La Jolla’s ocean and your creative process through ceramics, aiming to enhance understanding in marine biology and artistic interpretation. Develop skills in collaboration by co-designing snorkeling experiences and exhibitions with peers, ensuring diverse perspectives are considered. Refine effective communication by presenting your findings and artwork, and engage in critical thinking to address ecological questions through your unique artistic lens. Build self-directed learning by utilizing feedback loops, recording insights in your field journal, and navigating personal growth throughout the process. Strive for content expertise by mastering snorkeling skills, ceramic techniques, and ecological research, culminating in a multi-faceted exhibition of your work.
Competencies
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • 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.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.

Products

Throughout this project, create intricately designed ceramics inspired by La Jolla’s ocean biodiversity, documenting your design process and inspirations in a detailed field journal. Develop snorkeling skills and compile a collection of underwater photographs and sketches to support your ceramics work and document personal growth in these activities. Conclude by showcasing your ceramic art pieces and journal at a public exhibition where you can engage the community, share your journey, and potentially sell your ceramics at local markets.

Launch

Begin your project with an immersive exploration of La Jolla's ocean life by organizing an introductory snorkeling session with your dive buddy. Use this opportunity to share expectations, establish safety protocols, and initiate a collaborative discussion on the biodiversity you observe. Document your initial observations and inspirations in your field journal, setting the stage for your ceramic art creations throughout the project.

Exhibition

Organize a community showcase featuring your ceramic art inspired by La Jolla’s ocean life. Collaborate with your cohort teacher to set up a gallery walk where peers, family, and community members can view and discuss your creations. Invite local organizations and snorkeling enthusiasts to join, presenting your snorkeling experiences and insights through a visual presentation or demonstration. Consider running a booth at local markets to exhibit and sell your ceramic pieces, sharing their stories and the inspiration behind each artwork.