Lesson 1: Tim Christensen and Endangered Maine Species
Goal: Introduce students to Maine artist Tim Christensen and two endangered Maine species. Students will learn about why these species are endangered and what they can do to help protect them. The end project will be a garland depicting the students drawings of these animals. Tim Christensen's pottery is done in black and white sgrafitto and is a great example for students of contrast, rhythm, and movement.
Questions: Have you ever heard of an endangered species before?
Why do you think some animals are endangered?
Do you think we have endangered species in Maine?
Art Project: Make a garland with pennants that depict different endangered species in Maine
Materials:
-twine
-hole puncher
-white crayons
-black paper pre cut into pennants with holes
Animals:
Atlantic Puffin
-Small amounts of oil can kill birds. Seabirds are often injured by eating plastic particles from trash that are mistaken for food
-Teaches students importance of not throwing litter into the ocean
Spotted Turtle
-Don’t disturb wetlands by walking on them or throwing litter in them
-Help protect urban areas that Spotted Turtles live in
Inspiration/ Sources:
http://www.timchristensenporcelain.com/
http://www.maine.gov/ifw/wildlife/endangered/pdfs/atlanticpuffin_56_57.pdf
http://www.maine.gov/ifw/wildlife/endangered/pdfs/spottedturtle_70_71.pdf