Elementary Lesson Plan: Conservation through the Arts

Conservation through the Arts

Teacher: Ginamarie Yacovelli

Grade Level: 1-4

Brief History and Background:
Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps, commonly known as “Ducks Stamps,” are pictorial stamps produced by the U.S. Postal Service for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. They are not valid for postage. Originally created in 1934 as the federal licenses required for hunting migratory waterfowl, Federal Duck Stamps have a much larger purpose today.

National Education Technology Standards
1.Basic operations and concepts
2.Social, ethical, and human issues
3.Technology productivity tools
4.Technology communications tools
5.Technology research tools
6.Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools

NAEA Standards:
1.8 Research
3.8 Science, Technology and Human Endeavors
4.3 Environmental Health
4.6 Ecosystems and their Interactions
4.8 Humans and the Environment
9.1 Production of Visual Arts
9.2 Historical and Cultural Contexts
9.3 Critical Response
9.4 Aesthetic Response

Goal:
After studying waterfowl anatomy and habitat students may articulate their newfound knowledge by drawing, painting or sketching a picture of any North American waterfowl species.

Objectives:
1 Students will articulate their newfound knowledge of waterfowl anatomy by sketching a picture of any North American waterfowl species.
2 Students will incorporate the technology of Google Earth to research duck regions of the United States of America
3 Students will learn about Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling (creator of the duck stamp)
4 Students will look at examples of duck pictures
5 Students will practice interpretive skills during critique
6 Students will discuss vocabulary words

Supplies/Materials:
Paper
Watercolor Paints
Watercolor Pencils

Teacher Preparation:
-Teacher will bring in book of different duck specifies
-Teacher will show basic steps to go about illustrating a duck
-Teacher will have access to Internet
-Teacher will write vocabulary words on the chalkboard
-Teacher will have write questions on the board to stimulate students’ creative process

Introduction to Lesson:
The teacher will begin class by using a tool to make duck noises if it cannot be made by mouth naturally. The teacher will ask students if they recognize the sound they just heard. Class will discuss their knowledge achieved from Science class regarding ducks in North America. The teacher will show examples of all the different species of ducks. The teacher will talk about how important it is to conserve for the animals sake and for humans sake. The teacher will then introduce Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling and discuss his role in the duck stamp. The teacher will then introduce the use of Google Earth as a means of locating the different locations of the duck species they are referring too, so they can provide an accurate background for the assignment. After the students have finished their duck prints they will discuss the region chose, and how it is reflected in their work. The teacher will then submit the artwork to the Junior Duck Stamp Contest.

Directions:
1. After researching the different duck species in Science class, students will create a stamp to help support the conservation of ducks.
2. Students will pay close attention to detail as they try to illustrate the duck’s living space by referring to the images from GOOGLE EARTH.
3. Students will use watercolor paints and watercolor pencils to create the image.

Critique/Evaluation/Assessment:
-The teacher will discuss finished products with students

Extensions:
N/A

Time Allotment:
1 - 45-minute class period:
15 minute introduction
25 minute production time
5 minute clean up

Vocabulary:
Conservation - (1) protection of valued resources - the preservation, management, and care of natural and cultural resources; (2) protection from change - the keeping or protecting of something from change, loss, or damage

Endangered - in great danger or at risk of dying out

Preservation - protection from harm - the guarding of something from danger, harm, or injury

Google Earth- Offers maps and satellite images for complex or pinpointed regional searches.

Safety Concerns:
N/A

References:
1.US Fish and Wildlife Service www.fws.gov/data
2.Google Earth www.googleearth.com
3.National Center for Ecological Analysis www.nceas.ucsb.edu