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Photo by Jill Pelto

Database Provider

Author

Jill Pelto Gallery

Grades

6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

Subjects

Science, Biology, Visual and Performing Arts

Resource Type

  • Artwork

Regional Focus

Global

"Salmon Population Decline"

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Synopsis
  • This watercolor by scientist and artist Jill Pelto shows the decline of the salmon population. 
  • This painting helps students understand the struggle of salmon populations as their spawning habitat declines due to lower water levels and higher temperatures in rivers. 
Teaching Tips

Positives

  • Students' engagement with works of art enhances their creativity and communication skills.
  • Students can learn about how animals adapt to environmental changes and the threats they face along the way.

Additional Prerequisites

  • Students should be familiar with the following concepts: environmental threats, animal adaptation, melting glaciers, temperature rise, and climate change.

Differentiation

  • In art class, students could analyze and interpret this painting and then create their own artwork on climate change from their point of view.
  • An ELA teacher could present this image to students and ask them to write a descriptive paragraph describing the artwork and their interpretation.
  • This picture could be used as a hook for a lesson on marine biodiversity and how it's changing. The teacher could show it on the screen and ask students to write down their observations. 
  • The teacher could ask students to design solutions to protect the salmon population.
  • Another one of Jill Pelto's works of art is ocean acidification, which also relates to the effects of climate change on marine life.
Scientist Notes
Salmon population is on the decline as reported by the data. However, climate change has posed serious threats to marine resources causing migration and loss. This resource is recommended.
Standards
  • National Core Arts Standards
    • 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 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.Ia Interpret an artwork or collection of works, supported by relevant and sufficient evidence found in the work and its various contexts.
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