Middle School Students Use Art to Engage Their Peers About The Environmental Impact of Consumerism
For my capstone project I designed and implemented an unit of study that focused on the environmental impact of consumerism. In this unit, my middle school students learned about contemporary artists that address the impact of consumerism through their artwork. Middle school students learned about contemporary artists that address the impacts of consumerism through their artwork. Students kept a journal for a week in an effort to examine their own consumption habits and how they impact the environment. They used their sketches and notes to work cooperatively to create a mural inspired by the Sumi Ink Club. Their mural and journals were exhibited on our school campus to educate their peers about the environmental impact of consumerism. Students developed an exhibition guide and responsive questions to guide their peers through their exhibition. Classes were invited to view and respond to the exhibition. The research project took place at Fuquay-Varina Middle School in Fuquay-Varina, NC during February 2015. Using the active research method, I observed how students used the art they created to inform their peers about important issues concerning the environmental impact of consumerism. Data was gathered in the form of questionnaires, written reflections, photographs, and peer responses. Based on my research, I found that students
were
able to use their research and art effectively, to educate and provoke thought
from over half of the peer students through the creation of their mural. Participating student responses proved that they clearly understand how their art can be used successfully to educate their peers.
rion_finalresearchproject.pdf | |
File Size: | 2085 kb |
File Type: |