The goal for this project is to educate students on marine ecosystems through creating sculptural artwork. I would like to introduce my students to the coral reef ecosystem, and discuss the three types of reefs-- including fringing reefs, barrier reefs, and atolls. They will learn about where the different reefs are located, how they survive, and they will explore the different types of plants that live in the coral reef ecosystem. We will also discover all of the various sea creatures, discuss animal and plant adaptations, and how the food chain works to keep the coral reef ecosystem thriving.
Participation in creative activities helps students generate information they might otherwise have simply read, which will more likely result in successful long-term retention of that knowledge. After learning about the coral reef ecosystem, students will sketch, plan, design, and create their own marine animal sculpture. Students will use wire and tape to create the shapes of these creatures, then they will use paper mache to add texture and form. To finish the project, they will paint their sculptures and add any additional details. Sculptures of various sea animals will include fish, sea urchins, snails, sponges, octopuses, sea stars, sea horses, sharks, rays, lobsters, crabs, and many more. Students will then collaborate in small groups and create sculptures of various plants that live in the coral reefs.
Creating these marine animal sculptures will allow students to research, explore, discover, visualize, and experience what the coral reef ecosystem is. The entire process involves multiple modes of instruction and learning, which will be beneficial for all students. My goal is not only to foster creativity, but also to develop an appreciation or new interest in sea life as well.
About my class
The goal for this project is to educate students on marine ecosystems through creating sculptural artwork. I would like to introduce my students to the coral reef ecosystem, and discuss the three types of reefs-- including fringing reefs, barrier reefs, and atolls. They will learn about where the different reefs are located, how they survive, and they will explore the different types of plants that live in the coral reef ecosystem. We will also discover all of the various sea creatures, discuss animal and plant adaptations, and how the food chain works to keep the coral reef ecosystem thriving.
Participation in creative activities helps students generate information they might otherwise have simply read, which will more likely result in successful long-term retention of that knowledge. After learning about the coral reef ecosystem, students will sketch, plan, design, and create their own marine animal sculpture. Students will use wire and tape to create the shapes of these creatures, then they will use paper mache to add texture and form. To finish the project, they will paint their sculptures and add any additional details. Sculptures of various sea animals will include fish, sea urchins, snails, sponges, octopuses, sea stars, sea horses, sharks, rays, lobsters, crabs, and many more. Students will then collaborate in small groups and create sculptures of various plants that live in the coral reefs.
Creating these marine animal sculptures will allow students to research, explore, discover, visualize, and experience what the coral reef ecosystem is. The entire process involves multiple modes of instruction and learning, which will be beneficial for all students. My goal is not only to foster creativity, but also to develop an appreciation or new interest in sea life as well.
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