Capturing Nature: Art Appreciation Through Wildlife Photography

Capturing Nature: Art Appreciation Through Wildlife Photography

Sep 19, 2024

Explore the Beauty and Conservation of Wildlife with Engaging Art Lessons for Homeschoolers

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Engage

Introduction: Begin by sparking curiosity with a question or a captivating fact about wildlife photography.

  • Sample Question: "Did you know that nearly 60,000 breathtaking wildlife photos were submitted from 117 countries in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Contest?"

Purpose: Explain to your children the importance of wildlife photography in understanding both art and conservation.


Explore

Activity: Explore the highlighted images together with your child. Discuss the emotions and stories these images convey.

  • Sample Question: "What emotions do you feel when you look at the image of a mother manatee and her calf?"

Vocabulary:

  • Tier II: Aesthetic, Interpret
  • Tier III: Composition, Conservation

Greek and Latin Roots:

  • Photo- (light), Graph- (write), Conserv- (to preserve)


Explain

Discussion: Discuss the elements of art such as color, texture, and composition, using the images as examples.

  • Sample Question: "How does the color contrast in the mating lions' photograph enhance the image's impact?"

Conservation: Highlight how these images also reflect conservation issues like climate change and habitat loss.


Elaborate

Activity: Encourage your child to create their own art inspired by the photographs. This could be through drawing, painting, or digital media.

  • Sample Question: "How can you depict the theme of conservation in your artwork?"

Connection: Connect the art to real-world issues, encouraging discussions on how art can influence conservation efforts.


Evaluate

Reflection: Ask your child to present their artwork and explain their creative process and the message behind it.

  • Sample Question: "What message do you hope to convey with your artwork, and how does it relate to the wildlife photographs we studied?"

Assessment: Provide feedback on their understanding of art elements and their ability to connect art with conservation themes.


Standards Met

  • National Core Arts Standards:
  • VA:Cr1.1 (Engage collaboratively in exploration and imaginative play with materials)
  • VA:Re7.1 (Perceive and describe aesthetic characteristics of one's natural world and constructed environments)
  • VA:Pr5.1 (Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation)
  • Next Generation Science Standards:
  • K-ESS3-1 (Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals and the places they live)


By following this plan, you can provide a comprehensive and engaging lesson that not only enhances art appreciation but also meets important educational standards. How do you think this approach will resonate with your homeschooling community?