Art is a powerful and effective tool that has been used for thousands of years to educate, create awareness, and invoke change. Incorporating climate change art project ideas is an effective and engaging way to educate, inspire, and give students a tool that they can use to create awareness and change in those around them. Teaching climate change education through the perspectives of artists allows students to contemplate the emotional response of the artists to these complex issues as well as their own. This is why I was inspired to create the unit Art for the Earth.
Art for the Earth is a six lesson unit that features artworks created by artist and climate scientist, Jill Pelto, to teach environmental issues, student action, data collection, analysis techniques, and watercolor knowledge and skills. Art for the Earth guides students through their own localized data art creation, intended to inspire and encourage students in their abilities in creating climate awareness in their local community.
Do you want to include art in your climate change teaching experiences? Are you uncertain where to start? Keep reading to learn how I have embedded art throughout the grade 3-5 unit Art for the Earth. Not a 3-5 teacher? Keep reading! The lesson outlines below include valuable ideas and resources you can incorporate into any grade level. The following lessons can be used independently or as a complete 6 lesson unit which includes lesson plans, slides, vocabulary cards, worksheets, and more.