Suzie Project (Final Post)

Project:
Oil Spill Awareness

Age Group: 4th- 5th Grade

Overview:
The purpose of this project is to examine the implications of the BP oil spill by creating art through research. Students will create art inspired by the spill and teach others about its effects on people and the environment.

First, the teacher will introduce the oil spill to the class through videos, books, articles, and other sources. The teacher will then connect the oil spill to art through contemporary artists such as David Bergeron, and discuss how art can influence the way people view the spill. She will also discuss techniques these artists use and show the class through film, etc.

Next, the students will be given the opportunity to research other artists who were influenced by oil spills (such as Exxon Valdez) as well as research what type of media they would like to use on their project. The students will then either write or sketch their ideas for their projects and discuss these with the teacher. After that, the students will be provided with the materials needed to complete their projects and have studio time to complete their project.

Throughout this process, the students will help the teacher plan the coffee house, which will be used to raise money for oil spill relief. Students will help collect supplies (plates, cups, napkins) and create fliers for the evening event. Parents will be asked to help out with the event as well.

Goals:
Children will gain awareness of the oil spill as a major current event, analyze the effects of this spill on the environment and people, as well as teach others of the implications of this disaster. After the project is finished, the students will host a school-wide coffee house, which donations will be collected to raise money for oil spill relief. Also, the students’ oil spill inspired art will be auctioned to raise money for relief efforts.

Materials:

For art project:
•Paper
•Paint (watercolor and tempera)
•Scissors
•Glue
•Recycled materials (beads, bottles, newspapers, etc.)
•String
•Pipe cleaners
•Glitter
•Crayons
•Colored pencils
•Markers
•(any other media available…this is a mixed media activity)

For Coffee House:
•Parent volunteers
•Cups
•Plates
•Different types of coffee and tea
•Snacks
•napkins
•Multipurpose room or cafeteria
•Permission from Administration
•Display boards to showcase art
•Fliers to advertise the event

Resources:

Artists:
http://www.time.com/time/video/player/0,32068,88205786001_1992197,00.html

http://www.bergeronwoodworks.net/index.htm -David Bergeron, an artist from New Orleans, is using waster from Hurricane Katrina to build furniture. The proceeds from the sales goes to oil spill relief

http://www.shopgreenneworleans.com/ -Created by recycling artists Mark Kirk and Heather McFarlane

Literature:

http://www.ourlittleearth.com/ - World News for Children

http://www.bp.com/bodycopyarticle.do?categoryId=1&contentId=7052055&nicam=USCSBaselineCrisis&nisrc=Google&nigrp=Non_Branded_Crisis_Management-_General&niadv=General&nipkw=oil_spill – BP response to spill in Gulf

http://www.amazon.com/Oil-Spill-Lets-Read-Find-Out-Science/dp/0064451216 - Book about Exxon-Valdez Oil Spill and its effects

Quote:

“Creating a work of art is not a harmless thing. It always is a powerful medium. Art is extraordinarily powerful and important. It challenges people’s lives. ”
-Chögyam Trungpa, artist and Buddhist meditation master

Criteria for Assessment/ Discussion Questions:

P/F system:
-The student completes the project timely and follows directions
-The student connects his/her art in some way to the oil spill
-The student is able to discuss his/her project in an effective manner
-The student is able to teach others about the oil spill and how their project connects to it

Discussion:
-What are other ways we can make people aware of this event?
-How can people help?
-What are your ideas for cleaning up the Gulf?
-Should we look for cleaner energy sources? Why or why not?