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Database Provider

Author

Honghikuri

Grades

K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

Subjects

Science, Biology, Art

Resource Type

  • Artwork

Regional Focus

North America

"Coral Mandala"

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Synopsis
  • This mural by Honghikuri in Cancun, Mexico, shows a coral reef that is half alive and half dead because of human destruction. 
  • Honghikuri made this mural to inspire action to help coral reefs worldwide, specifically the reef in Cozumel, which is dying. 
Teaching Tips

Positives

  • This beautiful mural combines art, activism, and science to make a call to action.
  • The resource contains an artist's statement explaining the artist's intention in creating the mural.

Additional Prerequisites

  • Students should understand the impact of climate change on coral reefs.
  • Teachers may want to show students some examples of mandalas and explain the significance of mandalas in different cultures.

Differentiation

  • Cross-curricular connections could be made in a biology class when discussing ocean acidification, coral bleaching, and using art to help stop climate change. 
  • Art classes could analyze the cultural aspects and the subject matter of the mural.
  • Other resources on this topic include this video featuring an apology letter to future generations, this project on making a "do one thing" mural, and this SubjectToClimate lesson plan that uses artwork to teach about renewable and nonrenewable energy.
Scientist Notes
The artwork re-awakens the need for coral reef conservation. It highlights how humans can limit activities that are harmful to the marine ecosystem. This is recommended for teaching.
Standards

This resource addresses the listed standards. To fully meet standards, search for more related resources.

  • Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
    • ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
      • 5-ESS3-1 Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.
  • National Core Arts Standards
    • Visual Arts: Standard 8 - Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
      • VA:Re8.1.8a Interpret art by analyzing how the interaction of subject matter, characteristics of form and structure, use of media, art-making approaches, and relevant contextual information contributes to understanding messages or ideas and mood conveyed.
      • VA:Re8.1.Ka Interpret art by identifying subject matter and describing relevant details.
    • Visual Arts: Standard 11 - Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
      • VA:Cn11.1.IIIa Appraise the impact of an artist or a group of artists on the beliefs, values, and behaviors of a society.
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