Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Unit Overview/Summary:
Cycles in science are important to teach because they are constantly changing. These cycles are
what help keep our planet going. In this unit, I hope that my students will have a better
understanding and appreciation for science as well as art. Since science is often neglected in
elementary schools, I want to make sure my students have a solid foundation in science content.
It is important to teach students about science cycles because we go through cycles each day.
For example, the time of day as well as days of the week are cycles. Other common science
cycles are the food chain, life cycles, the water cycle, seasons, and plant/animal cycles. By
teaching science cycles, students are getting a better understanding of the world around them
and they can use this knowledge to create art projects that represent the world around them.
Through this unit, I hope my students find an appreciation for science as well as art. I hope my
students find the Earth fascinating in how it keeps itself going through cycles. In addition, I hope
this project encourages my students to take on a more active role in the community around
them and perhaps even forming a recycling club to keep the Earth green and healthy.
Materials/Equiptment/Etc:
To teach this lesson, I will
be incorporating a
powerpoint to introduce my
students to the artists I
want them to analyze and
research. Here are the
websites I will be directing
them to:
Vik Muniz:
http://vikmuniz.net/news/vi
k-muniz-album-at-galerianara-roesler-rj
Mary Ellen Croteau:
http://www.maryellencrotea
u.net
In addition, to incorporate
(3-4)
(http://dese.mo.gov/divimprove/curriculum/GLE/)
(3-
4)
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
students are able to explore the course content and build connections in their own way. Since this unit integrates three
different content areas, students can begin to see the relationship between courses and the material taught in each. They can
begin to explore other ways to solve problems and think outside the box. By incorporating art, students are encouraged to use
their individuality to solve problems and create something unique. This teaches students to trust themselves and believe in
the work that they can accomplish.
How will you engage students in routinely reflecting on their learning/learning processes?
This activity gives students the ability to routinely reflect on their learning process. For example, students will be asked to
think deeply about how they can relate what they created to the community outside of school. Using what they have learned
about science cycles, they will be asked to come up with a plan to raise awareness for recycling and the benefits it provides. In
addition, they will be reflecting on their artwork by exploring what it means to create art. Do you have to use certain materials
for it to be considered art? How do your creations reflect your own thinking process?
How will this unit engage students in assessing their own work?
Students will be displaying their projects in a gallery. They will be asked to write up a short description of their piece that will
provide an explanation for those who are unfamiliar with the project. This summative assessment encourages students to take
action in their work and to be proud of their final product. I will also be conducting small, formative assessments with my
students during their creative process. I will be observing and actively listening to their conversations about art as well as the
core subject material. I will be listening for how they define art and what it means to them to create artwork.
What opportunities/activities will students be given to revise and improve their understandings and their work?
Students will always be free to revise and improve their pieces of art. Sometimes we look back on a project and realize we
could have done something more or gone a different direction, so students are always free to improve themselves and practice
if they desire. If they are unhappy about the grade, they can talk to me and we can figure out a plan of action. To make up
points, I will have them put more time and effort into their community service portion. For example, I would have them come
up with a detailed plan of action for something we could do as a class to raise awareness for art and using recycled materials
in art (the benefits in science as well). They will be encouraged to talk to me to make a plan!
What opportunities/activities will you provide for students to share their learning/understanding/work in this unit?
As I said above, students will be presenting their projects in a gallery. They will be writing up a brief description of their project
so others will have an understanding of what they did and how they decided to portray that idea.
How will you adapt the various aspects of this lesson to differently-abled students?
This activity can be adapted and modified to meet the needs of individual students. This project gives students the ability to
present their learning in a divergent way, not an essay or written explanation. If a student needs some extra support/structure,
I would have them create a 3 part comic that explains a cycle in science. They would not be required to use recycled
materials, but rather use materials from around the room that they believe fits within their plan. To keep students engaged, I
will play some creative music to keep their creative minds flowing! Their projects will be student-centered, so students will be
engaged because it is something they decided to complete. To challenge students who finish early, I will encourage them to
TEACHER REFLECTION: How will you know that this lesson is successful and meaningful? List indicators.
I will know that this lesson is successful and meaningful when I see students create connections between art, science, and
social studies. When they are able to take what they have learned and use it in another classroom, I will know that this was
meaningful to them. They will have a deeper understanding of the material and be able to see relationships between the
concepts they are learning. I know it will be meaningful when they use their projects to create plans for the community to
continue fostering a safe, respectful environment and encourage others to keep Earth beautiful. In addition, I know it will be
successful when they dont want to leave the classroom! If they are so engaged in the material that they do not want to
transition to another activity, it will make it all worth it.
References
Silverstein, L. B. & Layne, S. (n.d.). Defining arts integration. Retrieved from
http://www.americansforthearts.org/networks/arts_education/publications/special_publications/Defining%20Arts
%20Integration.pdf