Wetland Creatures Unite: A Mural Journey

2nd Grade

Project
11 weeks

Wetland Creatures Unite: A Mural Journey

Sol Gonzalez Feliciano

2.1.1

2.3.1

Purpose

The project aims to foster a deep appreciation for wetland biodiversity by engaging second-grade students in a collaborative art-making process. Through creating a large-scale mural, students will express their understanding of wetland ecosystems using various art techniques, while developing teamwork and communication skills. The final exhibition will serve as both a celebration of their artistic achievements and a platform to educate the school community about the importance of preserving natural habitats.

Learning goals

Students will identify and apply different visual art techniques to express ideas about wetland biodiversity. They will collaborate to plan and create a mixed media mural, demonstrating teamwork and communication skills. Through research and artistic representation, students will deepen their understanding of wetland ecosystems and the importance of preserving these habitats.

Standards

2.1.1 - Identify how artists make choices using the language of visual art and design to communicate ideas.
2.3.1 - Plan and create works of art by exploring various media and creating meaning through symbolization.

Products

Students will collaboratively create a large-scale mural that showcases the biodiversity of wetlands, incorporating prints and mixed media techniques. Each team will contribute sections of the mural, depicting wetland plants, insects, and animals, culminating in a cohesive artistic representation. Additionally, students will prepare for an interactive 'Wetland Art Walk' where they will present their mural to the school community, sharing insights into their creative process and the ecological significance of the species featured.

Launch

Begin with a 'Storytelling Circle' where students share stories or facts about their favorite wetland animals and plants, fostering excitement and connection to the project theme. Follow up with a 'Team Art Challenge' where small groups create mini-murals using mixed media to represent different aspects of wetland ecosystems. These mini-murals will later be combined into the larger mural, setting the stage for collaborative creativity and exploration.

Exhibition

Host a vibrant 'Wetland Art Festival' where the mural is the centerpiece, inviting families and the school community to explore the artwork. Encourage students to act as docents, leading small group tours and explaining the artistic choices and ecological significance of each section. Incorporate interactive stations where visitors can try simple printmaking techniques or contribute to a community art piece inspired by the wetlands.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Facilitate a 'Storytelling Circle' where each student shares a favorite wetland animal or plant story. Encourage students to listen and ask questions to deepen their understanding and interest in biodiversity.	Guide students in a brainstorming session to create a list of wetland plants and animals that could be represented in their mural.	Introduce basic printmaking techniques such as stamping and monoprinting. Provide demonstrations and allow students to experiment with creating textures and patterns inspired by wetland flora.
Deliverables	1. Each student will produce one or two prints using the introduced printmaking techniques, focusing on textures and patterns inspired by wetland plants.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for printmaking, including stamps, ink pads, brayers, rollers, and various textured surfaces. 2. Prepare examples of wetland plants and animals, including images and videos, to inspire student storytelling and brainstorming. 3. Set up a storytelling circle area with comfortable seating to facilitate sharing and discussion.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Introduce the concept of wetlands biodiversity to students through a short, engaging video showcasing various plants and animals found in wetlands.	Facilitate a group discussion where students share their observations from the video and identify specific plants and insects they find interesting.	Guide students in a drawing session where they sketch their chosen wetland plant or insect. Encourage creativity and attention to detail, using a variety of drawing materials.	Introduce mixed media techniques, such as collage and layering, and demonstrate how students can incorporate these techniques into their sketches to add texture and depth.
Deliverables	1. Each student will complete a detailed sketch of a chosen wetland plant or insect, incorporating at least one mixed media technique.
Preparation	1. Obtain a selection of videos that highlight the biodiversity of wetlands, ensuring they are age-appropriate and engaging. 2. Gather a variety of drawing materials, such as colored pencils, markers, and pastels. 3. Prepare mixed media materials, including tissue paper, fabric scraps, and textured papers, for collage and layering techniques. 4. Set up a viewing area with a projector or screen to show the wetlands video, ensuring all students can see and hear clearly.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Facilitate a 'Nature Observation Walk' around the school or a nearby safe area where students can observe plants and insects in their natural environment. Encourage them to take notes and make quick sketches of what they see.	Guide students in a session where they convert their observations into detailed drawings. Encourage them to focus on shapes, textures, and colors observed during the walk.	Introduce students to creating textures using printmaking techniques on their drawings, such as using leaves or other natural objects collected during the walk to create prints.
Deliverables	1. Each student will produce a textured drawing of a wetland plant or insect based on their observations, incorporating printmaking techniques.
Preparation	1. Identify and assess a safe outdoor area for the nature observation walk, ensuring it has diverse plant and insect life. 2. Prepare sketch pads, pencils, and portable clipboards for students to use during the walk. 3. Gather printmaking materials such as ink pads, brayers, and natural objects like leaves that can be used for creating textures. 4. Set up an area in the classroom for students to work on their drawings and printmaking, ensuring easy access to materials.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Introduce students to the concept of creating compositions by arranging their existing textured drawings into a cohesive section of the mural that represents wetland plants.	Guide students in discussing and selecting specific plants they have drawn to include in the mural, emphasizing diversity and representation of various species.	Facilitate a collaborative session where students work in small teams to arrange their drawings onto a large piece of paper, considering composition, balance, and color coordination. Encourage them to experiment with layout and positioning.
Deliverables	1. Each team will complete a draft layout of their section of the mural, featuring selected wetland plants and demonstrating thoughtful composition.
Preparation	1. Gather large sheets of paper or mural base material for students to use as a canvas for their compositions. 2. Prepare adhesive materials such as glue sticks or tape for affixing drawings to the mural base. 3. Set up an open workspace where teams can spread out and work collaboratively on their mural sections. 4. Create a reference guide with images and descriptions of wetland plants to assist students in identifying and selecting diverse species for their compositions.

Week 5	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Introduce students to the concept of insects in wetland ecosystems and their important roles. Facilitate a discussion on how insects can be represented in art.	Guide students in creating detailed sketches of selected wetland insects. Encourage them to focus on unique features and textures.	Introduce a printmaking technique specific to insects, such as using small objects to create patterns that mimic insect wings or bodies.	Facilitate a session where students apply the printmaking technique to their insect sketches, enhancing texture and detail.
Deliverables	1. Each student will complete a print-enhanced sketch of a wetland insect, incorporating specific textures that reflect its features.
Preparation	1. Prepare a selection of reference images and information about wetland insects, focusing on their characteristics and ecological roles. 2. Gather materials for printmaking, including small objects for pattern creation, ink pads, and rollers. 3. Set up workstations with sketching materials such as pencils, erasers, and paper. 4. Create an inspiration board with examples of insect art to spark ideas and discussions among students.

Week 6	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Introduce students to the concept of creating landscapes, focusing on the wetland environment. Discuss elements such as water, plants, and the overall ecosystem, and how they can be depicted in art.	Guide students in painting a background for their section of the mural. Encourage them to incorporate the colors and textures of a wetland environment, using watercolors or tempera paints.	Facilitate a session where students apply their previously created plant and insect drawings onto their painted background. Encourage them to consider how the elements interact within the ecosystem.
Deliverables	1. Each student will complete a painted background that represents a wetland environment, incorporating colors and patterns learned in previous weeks. 2. Students will attach their plant and insect drawings to the painted background, creating a cohesive piece that will be part of the larger mural.
Preparation	1. Gather materials such as large sheets of paper or canvas for painting backgrounds, as well as watercolors or tempera paints. 2. Prepare reference images of wetland landscapes to inspire students' backgrounds and provide ideas for incorporating elements of the ecosystem. 3. Set up workstations with painting supplies, ensuring that students have access to brushes, water containers, and palettes.

Week 7	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Introduce the concept of animals within wetland ecosystems and discuss their roles and characteristics. Encourage students to think about how these animals can be represented artistically.	Guide students in selecting a specific wetland animal to focus on. Have them create a detailed sketch of the animal, emphasizing its unique features and textures.	Introduce a new mixed media technique, such as using clay or textured fabrics to add dimension to their animal sketches. Demonstrate how these materials can be used to enhance their artwork.	Facilitate a session where students incorporate the mixed media elements into their animal sketches, creating a more dynamic and textured representation.
Deliverables	1. Each student will complete a mixed media-enhanced sketch of a wetland animal, showcasing their understanding of the animal's features and role in the ecosystem.
Preparation	1. Prepare reference images and information about various wetland animals, highlighting their characteristics and ecological significance. 2. Gather materials for the mixed media technique, including clay, textured fabrics, and other relevant supplies. 3. Set up workstations with sketching materials such as pencils, erasers, and paper, as well as mixed media materials. 4. Create an inspiration board with examples of animal art that incorporate mixed media techniques to spark student creativity.

Week 8	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Facilitate a 'Collaboration and Composition' session where students work in small teams to integrate their mixed media animals into the mural layout. Encourage them to consider placement, interaction, and storytelling within the ecosystem.	Guide teams in finalizing the arrangement of their plants, insects, and animals within their mural sections, focusing on creating a cohesive narrative that highlights wetland biodiversity.	Conduct a 'Peer Feedback Circle' where teams present their mural sections to the class, receive constructive feedback, and discuss any adjustments needed to improve composition and visual impact.
Deliverables	1. Each team will finalize and present their completed section of the mural, incorporating plants, insects, and animals with a clear narrative theme. 2. Teams will receive and document peer feedback, noting specific suggestions for final adjustments and enhancements.
Preparation	1. Prepare large mural base sections and adhesive options for teams to affix their mixed media elements securely. 2. Set up a collaborative workspace where teams can work on their mural sections together, with easy access to all necessary materials. 3. Create a feedback form and guiding questions to facilitate constructive peer feedback and ensure focus on composition, storytelling, and biodiversity representation.

Week 9	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Facilitate a 'Detail Enhancement' session where students work in teams to refine the details of their mural sections, focusing on adding intricate textures and patterns to enhance visual appeal.	Guide students in creating labels for each element in their mural sections, including the names of plants, insects, and animals, along with a short description of their roles in the wetland ecosystem.	Conduct a 'Storytelling and Presentation Rehearsal' where students practice explaining their mural sections and the ecological significance of each element to prepare for the upcoming 'Wetland Art Walk'.
Deliverables	1. Each team will complete and refine their mural section with added details and textures. 2. Students will create informative labels for their mural elements, ready for display during the exhibition. 3. Students will prepare and rehearse a short presentation detailing the narrative and ecological aspects of their mural section.
Preparation	1. Prepare additional art materials for detail work, such as fine brushes, colored pencils, and small textured tools. 2. Provide reference materials and examples for creating informative labels, ensuring clarity and readability. 3. Arrange a practice space for presentation rehearsals, set up with mock audience seating to simulate the exhibition scenario.

Week 10	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Facilitate a 'Mural Assembly Day' where students work collaboratively to combine all sections of the mural into one cohesive piece. Encourage them to focus on seamless integration of colors, textures, and narratives.	Guide students in adding final touches and embellishments to the mural, such as additional textures, borders, or accent colors that enhance the overall aesthetic.	Conduct a 'Reflection and Sharing Circle' where students share their thoughts on the art-making process, what they learned about wetlands, and how they collaborated as a team. Encourage them to express what they are proud of and what they found challenging.
Deliverables	1. A fully assembled and finalized mural that incorporates all students' contributions, ready for exhibition. 2. A personal reflection piece from each student, summarizing their experiences and insights from the project.
Preparation	1. Prepare the exhibition space, ensuring it is clean, organized, and ready to showcase the mural prominently. 2. Gather any additional art supplies needed for final embellishments, such as glitter, sequins, or special markers. 3. Set up a comfortable area for the 'Reflection and Sharing Circle', arranging seating to facilitate open discussion.

Week 11	Day 1	Day 2
Activities	Facilitate the 'Wetland Art Walk' where students act as docents and guide visitors through the mural exhibition, sharing insights about their artistic process and the ecological significance of each species represented.	Conduct a 'Celebration and Reflection' session where students and guests celebrate the completion of the mural. Encourage students to reflect on their learning journey and the importance of teamwork in the project.
Deliverables	1. Students will successfully present their mural sections during the 'Wetland Art Walk', demonstrating their understanding and communication skills. 2. Each student will contribute to a group reflection poster or video capturing key takeaways from the project, both artistically and ecologically.
Preparation	1. Ensure the exhibition space is prepared with clear signage, pathways, and designated areas for each team to present their mural sections. 2. Coordinate with other teachers or school staff to invite classes or parents to the 'Wetland Art Walk'. 3. Prepare any necessary equipment for documenting the reflection session, such as video recorders or large paper for a reflection poster. 4. Set up a celebration area with light refreshments or certificates to acknowledge students' hard work and dedication.