This watercolor painting by scientist and artist Jill Pelto uses ocean temperature data from the last 15 years to show the various effects of rising temperatures and human activities on the marine environment in the Gulf of Maine.
Teaching Tips
Positives
Students use their creative skills to "think outside of the box" and interpret the data in this artistic image.
The description below the image details the elements of the artwork and their connection to the graph displayed.
Additional Prerequisites
Students should be familiar with the following terms: temperature fluctuations, ocean acidification, overfishing, and species.
Differentiation
In art classes, students could use this as an example of a watercolor and colored pencil art piece.
A math teacher could share this resource with students when learning about graphs, and students could make their own artistic graphs using the data linked in the citation or from another source.
This image could be used as a hook for lessons about climate change, coastal ecosystems, or population dynamics.
Students could learn more about ocean acidification through this hands-on activity or use this StC lesson plan to investigate the effects of climate change.
Scientist Notes
The resource displays climate variability and other influences on marine resources and habitat. Anthropogenic activities have accelerated climate change impacts on marine ecosystems. This is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
MS-ESS3-5 Ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century.
National Core Arts Standards
Visual Arts: Standard 1 - Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
VA:Cr1.1.6a Combine concepts collaboratively to generate innovative ideas for creating art.
Visual Arts: Standard 6 - Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
VA:Pr6.1.8a Analyze why and how an exhibition or collection may influence ideas, beliefs, and experiences.
Visual Arts: Standard 7 - Perceive and analyze artistic work.
VA:Re7.2.IIa Evaluate the effectiveness of an image or images to influence ideas, feelings, and behaviors of specific audiences.
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.
