CORE QUESTION: How can international environment themes by expressed through the use of artistic and literary creations?

OVERVIEW: The purpose of this lesson is to allow students the ability to communicate their thoughts on the environment imaginatively by creating a picture book for middle school students. The book will consist of the following topics: population, deforestation, water, energy, endangered species, and waste.

TIME REQUIRED: A minimum of two 80 minute block periods.

SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL: Grades 9-12 (created book will be for use by middle school students)

INTERDISCIPLINARY CONNECTIONS:

• Social Studies: Policies on themes can be included and explained.
• Fine Arts: Students will use artistic expression in creating their books.
• English: Students will write literary passages to accompany artistic creations.
• Science: Students will explore and research various topics dealing with environmental science.

NEW JERSEY CORE CONTENT STANDARDS: 6.9.8, 6.9.9

INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES:

1. Students will be able to create an artistic or literary piece reflecting an environmental issue.

STRATEGIES:

Day 1 and 2:

1. Teacher will break the class into six groups.
   
2. Teacher will assign each student in a group a particular role.
   
3. The roles will be:
   • environmental science researcher
   • public policy researcher
   • artistic designer
   • writer
   • editor
   *Note: There may be less groups depending on the class size. The role of editor may be combined with the writer if there are less students in a particular group.
   
4. Students will research their assigned issue and begin their creations.
   
5. Students will edit their creations.
   
6. Students will present their presentations to the class.
   
7. Students will share their materials with middle school students. (If possible, the students may have the opportunity to share their creations with the middle school students.)

MATERIALS: Computers, Art Supplies

REFERENCES:

• Internet
• Traditional References such as Books, Magazines, Almanacs, etc.

ASSESSMENT:

1. Finished copy of the book (teacher should create rubric)
2. Presentation of the book (teacher should create rubric)