Artists across all times and places take advantage of local materials and resources to craft their work. At the same time, the local habitat influences and inspires artistic decisions. Broken into six thematic lenses, this collection of objects lets students use art to expand their own thinking about the complex relationship humans have with the natural world. What ideas about humanity, habitat, and creativity do these objects spark for them?

A focus object is featured for each thematic lens and is followed by other objects for extended thinking and consideration. As students investigate, encourage them to document their thinking by using the prompts and strategies provided.

 Objectives: Students will be able to identify hidden images in visual media. Students will identify themes in images.Students will identify supportive evidence in images.Students will identify if the image is a fact or opinion, persuasive, or informational. Students will be able to identify encoded messages in visual images. Students will be able to identify a creative practice to reflect on hidden meanings in visual images.

 Virtual Art Discussions. Students can respond to a style or collection of artwork using discussion tools in the school’s Learning Management System (LMS).

Students will learn that artists honor their heroes by creating portraits of them. Students will first brainstorm who is a hero in their life (answers can be specific names, jobs, or even animals).  Then students will create a work of art that memorializes the heroic qualities of this important person.