Animals + Insects
Grade(s): 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12
Location: Visual Art Studios at St. Albert Place (Art Gallery of St. Albert)
Program Delivery: In Studio, In School, and Virtual
Animal Pencil Holder: A whimsical animal of the student's choice decorates this hand built pinch pot, with a face on one side and a tail on the other! Instructors will guide students through the dominant traits that make each animal look distinct and guide students in creating the forms that will best reflect that animal.
Student Outcomes
- Learn interesting facts about their chosen animal
- Experiment with drawing, impressing, rolling, and coiling clay in order to create a realistic rendering of their chosen animal
- Learn what clay is and where it comes from; why it is bisque fired in a kiln; how to use clay and clay tools safely in a professional studio
- Create art for enjoyment
Elephant World: Students examine photographs of both elephant species (African and Asian) so they can learn the different traits before being led step by step through the process of how to build a low relief sculpture on a slab of clay. If you are studying India in the classroom, please specify which elephant you would like students to create during your workshop. Recommended for Grades 2 + 3
Student Outcomes
- Demonstrate care and concern for the environment
- Experiment with drawing, impressing, rolling and coiling clay in order to create a realistic rendering of a low-relief elephant of your choice
Great Horned Owl: Did you know there are close to 40 different species of owl in North America and the Great Horned Owl has been chosen as Alberta’s provincial bird? Students learn to sculpt one specific species of owl.
Student Outcomes
- Explore how texture can be used to create a visual effect
- Differentiate between two- and three- dimensional shapes
- Learn what clay is and where it comes from; why it is bisque fired in a kiln; how to use clay and clay tools safely in a professional studio
- Create art for enjoyment
Metamorphosis: Students examine an actual butterfly and view photographs of a variety of species, including their metamorphosis, before being led step by step through the process of how to build all these different stages into one long rectangular slab of clay. Students will cut, roll coils and create all of the different shapes required to complete this perfect addition to any garden.
Student Outcomes
- Learn the metamorphosis stages of common butterfly species in Alberta and why colour, symmetry and pattern are important for their survival
- Explore land based learning concepts and discuss environmental impacts on butterfly habitats
Curriculum
- Science: Interactions between plants, animals (including humans) and the environment
- Art: Creativity and its relationship to computational thinking
- Math: Symmetry and pattern
- Social: Communities in the world
Suggested Pairings
Exploring Art – Art Gallery of St. Albert
Spring along the River – Musée Héritage Museum
Francophone History in St. Albert – Little White School
