Environmental Found Object Sculpture

Students explore environmental science concepts through their exploration of the local environment.

Students will use found objects that are often discarded and repurpose them to create a found object sculpture. Key concepts surrounding this project are single-use and disposable items and their impact on the environment, recycling and repurposing. Students are asked to sculpt a form that communicates a message about the environment. 

Objectives:

• Students will learn about sculpture, found object sculpture and assemblage as art forms
• Students will design a composition that communicates a message about the environment
• Students will choose the found objects, form and color scheme of their sculptural piece in an effort to help communicate their desired message
• Students will construct a found object sculpture that communicates a message about the environment
• Students will write a two-to-three sentence statement about their piece, the objects used and the message they are communicating

Basic Outline of the Lesson:

• Using the slideshow, introduce the Project and show examples of sculpture, found object sculpture and assemblage. Discuss the differences & similarities
• Students begin brainstorming/sketching ideas
• Students collect found objects (during class and outside of class)
• Students begin sculpting
• Students continue sculpting
• Students complete sculptures, title their work and write an artist statement
• Students display their sculptures, artist statement, give feedback and discuss

Art Supplies:

• found objects
• adhesive
• wire and/or string
• spray paint
• backer or base support board as needed

Other Resources:

• Slideshow to introduce project, related artwork and concepts
• Found objects (students find in and out of class, teacher provides some as well)

Technology:

Access to computer for viewing the PowerPoint slideshow.     

Idaho State Learning Standards:

Arts and Humanities: Anchor Standard 1: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.

• VA:Cr1.1.la: Use multiple approaches to begin creative endeavors
• VA:Cr1.2.la: Shape an artistic investigation of an aspect of present-day life using a contemporary practice of art or design

Arts and Humanities: Anchor Standard 2: Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.

• VA:Cr2.1.lla: Through experimentation, practice, and persistence, demonstrate acquisition of skills and knowledge in a chosen art form
• VA:Cr2.3.llla: Demonstrate in works of art or design how visual and material culture defines, shapes, enhances, inhibits, and/or empowers people's lives

ESS3.C: Human Impact on Earth Systems:

• Though the magnitudes of human impacts are greater than they have ever been, so too are human abilities to model, predict, and manage current and future impacts. (ESS3-HS-5)

Academic Language:

• Subject area language: human impact, environment, pollution, waste, ecosystem
• Art language: found object, sculpture, assemblage, disparate, form, color scheme

Student Use of Vocabulary:

Students will use the words when creating their sculptures, when writing about their work in their artist statement, and when discussing their projects.

Student Grouping:

Students will work independently.