Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy (Art for the Earth #1)

In this lesson, students discuss and evaluate artwork by Jill Pelto, investigate renewable and nonrenewable energy, and demonstrate their learning through writing or drawing. 

Step 1 - Inquire: Students discuss and evaluate artwork by Jill Pelto and learn more about her career.

Step 2 - Investigate: Students learn the definitions of renewable and nonrenewable energy, read Sven's Search for Clean Energy, and take notes on renewable and nonrenewable energy.

Step 3 - Inspire: Students write a paragraph or draw a comic to demonstrate their new knowledge.

Positives

• This lesson creates a collaborative atmosphere for the unit.
• Students are able to identify how meaning can be created through art, especially when learning about fossil fuels and their damage to the environment.
• Students can identify and share their own thoughts and feelings about Jill Pelto's artworks. 

Additional Prerequisites

• This is lesson 1 of 6 in our 3rd-5th grade Art for the Earth unit.
• iPads or computers with Internet connectivity are necessary.
• Students will need basic research skills and computer skills.

Differentiation

• Teacher can create groups to include mixed ability levels, especially when students are taking notes on renewable and nonrenewable energy in the Investigate section.
• Teacher can pause throughout the reading of Sven's Search for Clean Energy to encourage students to write in the "Learned" section of their KWL charts.
• The two Newsela articles on renewable and nonrenewable energy are available in many reading levels. Teacher can select the appropriate reading level for each student.

• Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
  • ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
    • 4-ESS3-1 Obtain and combine information to describe that energy and fuels are derived from natural resources and that their uses affect the environment.
    • 5-ESS3-1 Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.
• Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
  • Writing (K-12)
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons.
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.
• National Core Arts Standards
  • Visual Arts: Standard 7 - Perceive and analyze artistic work.
    • VA:Re7.2.4a Analyze components in visual imagery that convey messages.
  • Visual Arts: Standard 11 - Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
    • VA:Cn11.1.5a Identify how art is used to inform or change beliefs, values, or behaviors of an individual or society.