Design Your Own Kelp Forest – Connecting Art and Conservation
This inspiring short course invites students to explore the underwater wonder of kelp forests through art, combining creativity with ecological awareness. Over the course of a week, students will learn to create vibrant kelp forest scenes using wax-resist techniques and watercolours while mastering the art of shading and texture to draw a fur seal. By the end of the course, students will transform their classroom into a calming sanctuary, bringing the serenity of the ocean to life.
Goal 4: Quality Education
Goal 13: Climate Action
Goal 14: Life Below Water
Goal 17: Partnerships For The Goals
Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
Goal 15: Life On Land
100% Free Course
What is this Course About?
Get ready for an exciting artistic adventure! Gavin and Jordan from Young Art USA will kick things off with a live video from South Georgia, showcasing the beauty of kelp forests. You’ll learn how artists use lines, colours, and textures to represent the natural world and bring your own kelp forest masterpiece to life.
Students will use wax crayons to draw horizontal and vertical kelp, creating dynamic designs with flowing lines and floating bulbs. They’ll paint over their drawings with watercolours, watching as the wax resists the paint to make the kelp pop. Jordan will also guide students in sketching a fur seal, focusing on its unique features and playful energy.
At the end of the week, students will present their artwork in a classroom transformed into a calming sanctuary, reflecting the peaceful nature of the underwater world.
Skills We Will Cover
- Artistic Techniques: Students will explore the wax-resist method, shading, and texture to create detailed and dynamic artworks.
- Creative Expression: This course encourages students to capture the beauty of marine life in their own unique way, building confidence and imagination.
- Collaboration and Presentation: Students will work together to create a calming classroom sanctuary, sharing their artwork and creative process with peers.
- Environmental Awareness: Through learning about kelp forests and marine animals, students will gain an appreciation for the importance of conservation and the role art plays in inspiring change.
What Will We Create?
- Kelp Forest Artwork: Students will design vibrant, flowing kelp forests using crayons and watercolours, incorporating horizontal and vertical lines with unique bulb shapes.
- Fur Seal Sketch: Students will sketch a playful fur seal, using shading and texture techniques to capture its lively energy.
- Classroom Sanctuary: The kelp forest artwork will be arranged into a peaceful sanctuary, complete with light and shadow effects to create a tranquil atmosphere.
Creating Our Kelp Forest Sanctuary
This week, we’re taking art beyond the canvas to create a calming sanctuary in our classroom. Students’ kelp forest paintings will be arranged with lighting effects to reflect the soothing nature of the ocean. This peaceful space will provide a safe and relaxing environment for everyone in the school to enjoy.
Lesson Plans
Teachers will have access to detailed lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards in visual arts, English, and science. Lessons include vocabulary development, artistic techniques, and opportunities for students to present and reflect on their work.
Real-World Learning
This course blends art, science, and wellbeing, demonstrating how creativity can make a meaningful impact. Students will learn how to represent natural ecosystems artistically while considering how their work contributes to a greater sense of community and conservation.
Join us as we dive into the magic of kelp forests and discover how art can inspire change, promote wellbeing, and celebrate the beauty of the natural world. It’s a week of creativity, learning, and connection you won’t want to miss!
