Art In Antarctica
Learning Sequence 4
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Introduction with Gavin and Jordan
In this lesson, students will embark on a creative exploration of macaroni penguins and their unique characteristics through art and performance. They will begin by watching a captivating video with Jordan, learning how these fascinating penguins walk and climb in their natural habitat. Afterward, students will define key vocabulary related to penguins and their environment, reinforcing their understanding of the subject.
Next, they will delve into the world of art, analysing a quote from a famous artist to inspire their creativity. Using this as a springboard, students will create their very own albatross drawings, focusing on composition, movement, and artistic expression.
To bring their learning full circle, students will craft a finger puppet of a macaroni penguin. They’ll then use these puppets to put on a delightful puppet show for younger children, combining storytelling with performance to engage their audience.
This hands-on lesson not only reinforces students’ knowledge of macaroni penguins but also provides an opportunity for them to express their creativity and share their learning in a fun, interactive way. Through art and play, they’ll foster a deeper connection to both nature and the arts, sparking curiosity and wonder in those around them.
This week, we’re embarking on an exciting journey into the world of macaroni penguins! We’ll begin by watching a video with Jordan and Gavin direct from Antactica, where we’ll discover the unique way these penguins walk and climb with such charm.
Afterward, we’ll dive into some key vocabulary, learning the words that help us describe these incredible creatures.
Next, we’ll analyse a quote from a famous artist and get inspired to create our very own drawing of an albatross. But the creativity doesn’t stop there! We’ll craft a finger puppet of a macaroni penguin and put on a delightful puppet show for younger children, bringing our penguins to life through performance.
Are you ready to let your creativity soar as we combine art, nature, and play? Let’s make our classroom burst with the spirit of the macaroni penguins!
Weekly Keywords
In this activity, students will work together to define ten key vocabulary words related to macaroni penguins and their unique traits. Teachers will guide students to explain these words in their own words, encouraging clear and simple language while working as a team. Initially, students should avoid using dictionaries, focusing on discussing and problem-solving together.
After they’ve crafted their definitions, students will share them with a partner. This step helps deepen their understanding, encourages discussion, and gives them the chance to refine their explanations while learning from each other.
Each week, you’ll receive a list of ten key vocabulary words that will help you describe what you’re learning about macaroni penguins and their unique characteristics. These words will also introduce you to language connected to the art and nature projects you’ll be creating.
Take a look at the task card, and with a partner, try to define the words as simply as possible. The challenge is to come up with definitions without using a dictionary, relying only on what you already know.
Once you’ve finished, you can compare your definitions with another pair to see if your ideas match or differ. This activity will help you strengthen your understanding of the topic while building your vocabulary and making your learning even more meaningful.
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Quote of the Week – Jim Henson
This activity involves presenting students with weekly quotes from renowned figures like Jim Henson, encouraging them to explore the meaning and context behind the words.
Teachers will guide discussions, helping students uncover the creative, historical, and philosophical perspectives that shaped Henson’s work and ideas. Through these discussions, students will gain a deeper understanding of how inspiration can drive artistic expression.
The goal is to deepen students’ understanding of art history and its impact on modern practices. By researching artists who resonate with them, students can find inspiration for their own artistic development. Collecting and displaying these quotes can also serve as a motivational tool, creating an environment of inspiration and a greater appreciation for the rich history of art.
Each week, you’ll receive a quote from an inspiring figure, and this week’s comes from the legendary creator, Jim Henson. Your task is to carefully read the quote and discuss it, exploring what Henson was trying to express through his words.
If the quote sparks your curiosity, you might want to dive deeper into Henson’s world to see how his creativity and vision can inspire your own projects and ideas.
You may also choose to collect all ten of these quotes and display them in your room or classroom to inspire others and keep your creative spirit alive.
Sketch With Jordan – Drawing an Albatross
This week, students will embark on an artistic journey to capture the majestic flight of an albatross. With the help of a detailed task card and an instructional explainer video, this activity is designed to enhance their drawing skills through hands-on practice.
It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the world of art, nurturing their creativity and artistic growth in an exciting and engaging way.
This week, we’re taking on a thrilling new challenge: drawing a magnificent albatross! Check out the task card I’ve prepared for you, and don’t forget to watch the explainer video below. Once you’ve gathered all the tips and techniques, it’s your turn to bring this incredible bird to life with your artistic skills.
Get ready to spread your creative wings and capture the beauty of the albatross in flight!
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Sketch With Jordan – Full Video
In this activity, students will explore a video where Jordan demonstrates how to capture the graceful flight of an albatross using techniques like shading, shadow, and blending. Teachers are encouraged to emphasise the importance of focus and active listening, guiding students to carefully observe and understand the techniques Jordan showcases.
This focused approach is designed to help students replicate these artistic methods in their own work. The goal is for students to apply the skills they’ve learned, enhancing their artistic abilities through careful observation and hands-on practice.
This week, Jordan guides us through the process of drawing a soaring albatross, demonstrating how to use shading, shadow, and blending to capture the bird in flight. Pay close attention to the video and listen carefully as Jordan explains the techniques used to bring this magnificent creature to life in your artwork.
After watching the video in full, you’ll be ready to start your own sketch in the next activity. Remember, there’s no need to rush – take your time, enjoy the process, and let your creativity take flight!
Sketch With Jordan – It’s Your Turn
This activity encourages students to independently explore drawing techniques by sketching an albatross in flight, guided by the strategies Jordan has demonstrated. The task supports varied learning outcomes, giving students the opportunity to extend their skills by opting to reinterpret their sketches using paint or different colours.
This approach allows for a gradual increase in complexity, catering to different skill levels and motivating students to push their creative boundaries. The artworks created during this process can be added to their portfolios, documenting their personal growth and achievements throughout the course.
After watching the full video, it’s time for you to pick up your pencils and try your hand at drawing the soaring albatross, just like Jordan demonstrated.
Use the task card provided to create your own version of the albatross in flight. If you’re pleased with your sketch, you might want to bring it to life with paint or other colours on a separate sheet of paper.
Remember, every piece of art you create can be added to your portfolio, showcasing your progress throughout this course!
Watch – Creating Your Macaroni Penguin Puppet with Jordan
This task invites students to draw inspiration from their lesson on macaroni penguins to create their own cardboard puppets, promoting creativity and personal expression. Following the instructional guidance, students are encouraged to apply their unique interpretation of the penguin’s movements and characteristics as they craft their puppets.
The act of creating these puppets not only enhances artistic skills but also deepens students’ understanding of the natural world. It may even inspire them to perform puppet shows or create presentations based on their creations, further enriching their educational experience.
At the start of our session this week, we explored the fascinating world of macaroni penguins and their unique way of walking and climbing. Now, it’s your turn to bring these penguins to life by creating your own cardboard puppet, inspired by what we’ve learned
Watch the instructional video provided and follow Jordan’s step-by-step guidance. Once you’ve gathered all the tips, dive into crafting your very own macaroni penguin puppet, using the styles and techniques Jordan shared.
Get creative with your design, and once your puppet is complete, get ready to put on a puppet show to share with younger children!
Putting On Your Show! - A Story of Determination
In this activity, students will write a short 2-minute script with a message of determination, create a small cardboard stage, and use their macaroni penguin puppets to perform for younger children.
This project encourages creativity, teamwork, and storytelling, while reinforcing key themes like resilience and perseverance in an engaging, hands-on way.
After creating your macaroni penguin puppets, you’ll take the next exciting step by writing a short 2-minute script. Your script should have a strong message of determination, showing how these amazing penguins never give up, no matter the challenge.
Once you have designed your backdrop from recycled materials and your script is ready, you’ll work together to build a small stage from cardboard where your puppet show will take place.
Using your new puppets, you’ll put on a show for the younger children, sharing your message of determination and resilience. Be sure to follow my example on the task card before you begin, and let your creativity shine in both your script and performance!
