My students need 2 class sets of journals. One set is for sketching practice and one set is for nature sketching with lines for scientific observations.
"Study the science of art. Study the art of science. Develop your senses, especially learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else." Leonardo da Vinci
Our school is surrounded by nature.
Our neighbors are the Pacific Ocean, the redwood forest and the coastal mountains. Surrounded by this biodiversity, it was natural for our school to declare itself dedicated to teaching with an environmental theme. Our students are a happy mix with varied backgrounds. The children of NASA engineers work side-by-side with the children of farm laborers. This diversity enables them to be stronger learners with a better understanding of all the complexity and richness of the greater community.
My Project
As creative explorers, my students will learn to use their scientific eyes and journals to observe and document the natural world around them. We will take field walks around our campus and into the natural settings nearby. We will draw what we see and write down what we observe. We will grow in our understandings of plants, insects and animals, learn patience and perseverance, and observe the threads that connect all of the natural world.
In the second set of journals, my students will practice sketching. We will explore art lessons available online, practicing the use of line, contours, shading, and shape. By learning solid technique, my students will be able to capture the nature world with more confidence and ease.
First grade students are doers.
They want to be mobile and active learners. Art and nature are the perfect avenues for exploring key concepts of biodiversity in plants and animals. By studying and drawing the natural world, a greater love and respect for the environment will be created. This respect will have broad implications for their lives as future citizens in our global community and stewards of our planet.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Scarpaci and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
