Part of Lesson Plan: Nature Works- Andy Goldsworthy Inspired Artwork

Activity Overview / Details

Pause powerpoint and turn on lights.

Say: "For your assignment you are going to find areas of nature and create Andy Goldsworthy inspired Artworks. You may do this alone or in groups of 2 or 3. When you have completed your artwork you will take 30 ore more photographs of it.

Say: “With that in mind, let's brainstorm location where there is nature in our area?” (at this time brainstorm natural areas with your class where students can go to create artworks and photograph. This can include rivers, streams, lakes, beaches, natural parks, state parks, ravines and empty lots. Students should be encouraged to not create their works in their backyards or community parks as these areas are outside, but not really natural.) Have one member of the class write the brainstormed ideas on the whiteboard so they can be viewed by all over the next couple of days.

Next pass out Goldsworthy assignment sheet- Read it over with students and discuss what they need to do to complete it. Have students take out a pen/pencil and as a class brainstorm materials that students could use to create their artworks. Students should write these in the box provided (sticks, grass, reeds, branches, dirt, sand, leaves, flowers, petals, water, natural clay, snow, ice, mud, moss...)

After reading over the worksheet, pause and ask if there are any questions about the assignment. Following questions, restart powerpoint to show student examples.

SLIDE 22-42- Students Examples- Show students examples, pausing on some slides to show images/artworks that are successful or could improve. 

Again take time for questions if needed. 

If there is time at the end of class or during the next class show short clip on slide 43.

FOR HOMEWORK: Students will go out into nature and create nature works. (I give one week to this, or at least one weekend for student to create work and take photos). Students are provided with two working days to edit several photos and pick one to print. Students will turn in this photo with the completed assignment sheet and types writing prompt.