The Art of Living
Learning Sequence 3
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Introduction - The Power of Stories
This week, we’re diving into Aristotle’s philosophy by sparking imagination in your students. They’ll explore the hidden stories in nature, just as Aristotle taught, by creating a comic strip and writing a story. Encourage them to see beyond the surface, finding deeper meanings in everyday objects and scenes.
This week, we’re going to learn about the philosopher Aristotle. We’ll start by watching a video set on Grimsay Island in Iceland, where nature has its own amazing stories—just like Aristotle taught us to find meaning in everything around us.
As you watch, think about how Aristotle asked his students to really look at the world, not just seeing trees, animals, or rocks, but also thinking about the stories and purposes they have. Aristotle believed that understanding both what things are made of and the stories behind them helps us live better lives.
Next, you’ll bring Aristotle’s ideas to life by creating your own comic strip. In this comic, show how Aristotle might take his students on a walk through nature, helping them discover the hidden stories in everyday things. You’ll use Canva to design your comic, making it fun and filled with curiosity—just like Aristotle would have wanted.
Finally, you’ll create a one-page story about an object that matters to you. You’ll use your imagination to bring an ordinary object to life and create a hidden meaning to this object to give the world a new perspective on an abject that seems to many to be so simple.
Important - Download Your Workbook Template
Over the next ten weeks, students will design a 28-page booklet on “The Art of Living,” using a provided workbook to ensure everything stays organised and properly formatted. It’s crucial that teachers emphasize the importance of keeping content within the safe zone (dotted line) to avoid any issues during printing.
This project not only allows students to express creativity but also serves as a structured reflection of their learning journey. The final product will be a meaningful keepsake, potentially ordered as a printed booklet, so attention to detail is vital.
Over the next ten weeks, you will be designing a 32-page booklet on “The Art of Living.” All the designs and information will be gathered by you, but we’ve put together a workbook to help you keep everything organised and in the right order.
Feel free to change the colours and some of the designs to make the booklet unique to you, but be sure to keep all content within the safe zone (the dotted line). This is important because, once your book is uploaded to the Upschool library, you might want to order a printed copy, and we don’t want any important information to be cut off during printing.
You’ll be using this booklet each week, so please make sure to download it today and return to it each week to add new pages. This booklet will be a reflection of your learning journey and a beautiful keepsake of your work on “The Art of Living.”
Weekly Keywords
In this activity, students will delve into key concepts from Aristotle’s teachings on discovering stories in nature. They’ll be encouraged to simplify these ideas into clear, easy-to-understand terms, aiding their comprehension of Aristotle’s philosophy.
This exercise will enhance their critical thinking and ability to communicate complex concepts effectively, deepening their understanding of the material.
On the task card provided, you’ll find a list of keywords related to Aristotle and his teachings about finding stories in nature. Your challenge is to explore these words and explain their meanings in the simplest terms possible.
This activity will help you grasp Aristotle’s ideas more clearly by breaking them down into easy-to-understand parts. Mastering this skill will be valuable in all your future learning and discussions.
Quote of the Week - Aristotle
This week, we’ll draw inspiration from Aristotle and his profound teachings on finding stories in the natural world. Students will explore one of his key quotes, interpreting its significance from their own perspectives, perhaps through art or a multimedia presentation.
The heart of this activity is deep reflection and meaningful conversation. It encourages students to connect with Aristotle’s wisdom, considering how it influences their understanding of the world and the hidden stories in everyday objects.
This approach fosters critical thinking and open discussion, helping students appreciate how powerful ideas can shape their perspectives and actions. It promotes a commitment to thoughtful observation and curiosity, aligning with Aristotle’s enduring legacy of philosophical exploration.
Each week, we’ll share an inspirational quote from a great philosopher. This week, we’ll focus on Aristotle, who taught us to find meaning in the world around us and to see the stories hidden in everyday objects.
We encourage you to write down the quote, print it, or even create a drawing inspired by his words.
Afterward, take some time to reflect on and discuss the meaning of the quote. Think about what it teaches us about understanding the world more deeply and how we can use Aristotle’s wisdom to enrich our lives and the lives of those around us.
Design Your Information Card - Aristotle
In this activity, students will research the life of Aristotle, focusing on key facts like when he lived, where he was from, and what he is known for. They will then use AI tools to create an image of Aristotle, combining their research with creative design. The final product will be part of a comprehensive booklet on eight philosophers.
In this activity, your task is to do some basic research on the life of Aristotle. You’ll need to record key facts like when he lived, where he was from, and what he is famous for. Keep the information simple and clear, but make sure to include the most important details.
After you’ve gathered the information, find or create an image of Aristotle. Since Aristotle lived a very long time ago, before cameras existed, you might want to use AI to help you design this image.
Once finished, your information card will be added to your booklet, which will eventually become a special collection about all eight philosophers we are studying in this course.
Design Your Comic Strip - Aristotle
In this activity, students will design a comic strip using Canva, focusing on conveying Aristotle’s message through both visual design and dialogue. The task encourages students to think critically about how speech and context can effectively deliver meaning.
By selecting the right words and images, they will create a simple yet impactful depiction of Aristotle’s teachings on observing the world and finding meaning in everyday things. This activity develops their skills in storytelling, visual design, and understanding the power of language in communicating ideas.
In this activity, your task is to use the story of Aristotle that you’ve learned to create your very own comic strip. The goal is to illustrate Aristotle’s message in a simple yet powerful image. You’ll be using Canva to design your comic, bringing Aristotle’s ideas to life through art.
Think about how Aristotle taught about observing the world and finding meaning in everyday things. Try to capture the essence of his message in your comic strip. Use Canva’s tools to select colours, shapes, and layouts that best convey the story and message.
When finished, your comic strip will be added to your booklet, which will eventually become a special collection featuring all eight philosophers we are studying in this course.
Bring Your Object to Life
In this imaginative activity, students will select an object that sparks their creativity and bring it to life through storytelling. Inspired by Aristotle’s teachings, they will explore the object’s physical characteristics and deeper significance, weaving together a narrative that highlights both.
This process encourages students to use their imagination and develop storytelling skills, while also deepening their understanding of how everyday objects can hold special meanings and stories. The activity promotes creativity, reflection, and a connection to the world around them.
This week, your task is to choose an object that you often have creative thoughts about and bring it to life using the power of storytelling. Just like Aristotle encouraged his students to see the deeper meaning in everyday things, you’ll be doing the same with an object that’s special to you.
To get started, think about an object that sparks your imagination—maybe it’s a favorite toy, a special book, or something from nature like a leaf or a rock. Your job is to tell its story. What is it made of? What memories or emotions does it hold? What adventures or journeys might it have been on?
Before you begin, take a look at the example I’ve created. This will give you an idea of how to weave both the physical and the imaginative aspects of your object into a story.
Using the template provided, you’ll write and illustrate the story of your object, making it as creative and meaningful as possible. Think about how you present your ideas—both in words and pictures. Your goal is to bring your object to life in a way that others can see and feel the special meaning it has for you.
Once you’ve finished, you’ll share your story with the class, helping everyone see the world through your eyes, just like Aristotle’s students did when they explored the world around them.
What if Wheel of Possibilities - Our Weekly Discussion
Spin the wheel and let it come to a stop. When the wheel lands, ask yourself the question it points to and discuss it with the people around you.
When we think about big questions like these, we gain a deeper understanding of the world and can appreciate how fortunate we are to live in it today.
You only need to spin the wheel once. If you land on a question you’ve already discussed, simply spin again until you’ve explored all 7 questions.
Poetry In Action - Limerick
In this activity, students will review a list of keywords related to Socrates’ teachings on trust and honesty. They’ll be asked to simplify these concepts into easy-to-understand terms, helping them to grasp and communicate complex philosophical ideas effectively. This exercise enhances critical thinking and comprehension skills.
This week, we’re going to have fun with the playful words of a limerick! A limerick is a special type of poem that’s short, funny, and has a catchy rhythm.
What’s a Limerick? A limerick is a five-line poem with a specific rhythm and rhyme scheme (AABBA). The first, second, and fifth lines rhyme with each other, while the third and fourth lines rhyme with each other. Limericks often tell a little story or describe something in a humorous way.
Take a look at the example on the opposite page. Then, using what you’ve learned and your own creativity, try to write your own limerick. Don’t forget to add a drawing to go along with your poem, and maybe even share it with your class or display it at home!
Quiz and Your Certificate
Students will take a weekly quiz on a philosopher’s life, reinforcing their understanding after rewatching the video. Each quiz includes ten questions, and scoring 80% or higher earns them a certificate. There are 8 certificates to collect, motivating ongoing engagement and learning. This activity encourages retention and provides a tangible reward for their efforts.
Each week, you’ll be invited to take a quiz focused on the life of a philosopher. This week, it’s all about Aristotle. After rewatching the video, your task is to correctly answer ten questions about his life and teachings. Achieving a score of 80% or more will earn you a certificate, which will be sent directly to your email.
There are 8 certificates in total for you to collect. Best of luck!
