This resource presents a brief article about the importance of biodiversity for life on Earth, discussing how artwork can be used to tell stories about our interactions with nature and providing examples of art from this exhibit.
The resource also includes the exhibition catalog of artwork and a press release about the exhibit.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This resource is a great way to introduce students to the importance of biodiversity and demonstrates how art and science are linked.
The exhibition catalog describes the intent behind each artwork.
Additional Prerequisites
The catalog and press release can be downloaded for offline use or printed (if need be) but students should have access to a color copy to appreciate the art.
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Differentiation
Have students practice interpreting artwork by explaining their interpretation of the piece in writing or in pairs with another student before reading the description.
As a follow-up activity, have students create their own artwork by responding to one of the four main questions listed in the exhibition catalog.
After reading the press release, have students write their own press release about the exhibition.
To learn more about the linkages between art and science, use this resource of an exhibition highlighting social and environmental issues and this exhibition exploring climate change and architectural design.
Scientist Notes
This resource is an overview of an art exhibit that focuses on biodiversity, and specifically the four following themes: what is biodiversity, why is biodiversity important, how do humans affect biodiversity, and what can we learn from nature about how to flourish? The exhibit overview details these themes and explains why each piece was chosen for the exhibit. While an overview of each piece is provided, it is unclear whether you can access the full exhibit without contacting the organization, as this is an older exhibit. This resource does show students different ways that concerns and solutions about the climate can be expressed and communicated with others and can be used to inspire them. The information presented in this resource is accurate. It is recommended for teaching.
Standards
College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards
Dimension 4: Taking Informed Action
D4.6.9-12 Use disciplinary and interdisciplinary lenses to understand the characteristics and causes of local, regional, and global problems; instances of such problems in multiple contexts; and challenges and opportunities faced by those trying to address these problems over time and place.
Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
Speaking & Listening (K-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.2 Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) in order to make informed decisions and solve problems, evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source and noting any discrepancies among the data.
National Core Arts Standards
Visual Arts: Standard 7 - Perceive and analyze artistic work.
VA:Re7.1.Ia Hypothesize ways in which art influences perception and understanding of human experiences.
Visual Arts: Standard 8 - Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
VA:Re8.1.Ia Interpret an artwork or collection of works, supported by relevant and sufficient evidence found in the work and its various contexts.
VA:Re8.1.IIa Identify types of contextual information useful in the process of constructing interpretations of an artwork or collection of works.
