Lesson: Can Recycled Materials be Art?
Grade level: 4

Materials/ Resources needed:

· Wide array of found objects, junk, or garbage (such as movie stubs, fabric and sewing implements, food wrappers and containers, clothing such as shoes and neckties) If possible use recyclables from the school cafeteria, janitorial areas, art etc. (such as bottles, cans, paper, hangers)
· Glue and Tape
· Louise Nevelson and Robert Rauschenberg artwork pictures printed out or on a PowerPoint
· Chalkboard/dry-erase board and chalk/markers
· Computer access with internet for research purposes
· Student Journals

Teacher Preparation (tasks the teacher must do ahead of time):
· Read over the definitions listed below
· Set up computer time
· Have PowerPoint or printed pictures ready

Vocabulary Words to review before class:
· Recycling- the processing of used or waste material so that it can be used again, instead of being wasted
· Found Object- a natural or everyday object, e.g. a pebble from a beach, treated as something of artistic value or incorporated into a work of art
· Folk Art- paintings and decorative objects made in a simple style

Minnesota Academic Strand(s) and sub-strand(s) addressed by your lesson:
IV: Historical Skills C. Historical Inquiry- the student will present and explain the findings of a research project.
V. Geography D Interconnections- the student will describe how humans influence the environment and in turn are influenced by it.
VI: Economics B. Economic choices- the student will understand the basic principles of economic decision-making.

NCSS Strand(s) and sub-strand(s) addressed by your lesson:
IV: Individual Development and Identity- Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of individual development and identity, so that the learner can: (f.) explore factors that contribute to one’s personal identity such as interests, capabilities, and perceptions.

Goal(s) for today’s lesson:
· Research African Folk Art and recycling then discuss findings
· Create original recycled art

Objective(s) for today’s lesson:
· Students will be able to name two artists who use recycled objects in their art and what objects they use in their artwork.

Procedure:

Introductory experiences:
i. Write the following on the board, leaving space under for a short list:
1. tires
2. paper
3. plastic
Ask students if their families recycle any of these items. Then ask them to raise their hand and tell you some other items that can be recycled. Talk about the three you previously wrote on the board. Explain to them that when these items are recycled, they are made into things we use today. Tires can be made into soft playground flooring and running tracks. Paper can be recycled into paper bags, confetti, and toilet paper. Plastic can be recycled into sleeping bags and fleece. (5 minutes)

Developmental experiences:
i. Ask the students if they can imagine wearing a pair of sandals made from an old car tire. These are quite common in Africa. (Show the picture) They are called "thousand milers" because of the long distance the rubber carries the person. (2 minutes)

ii. Sometimes folk artists use recycled goods to make art. Two famous American artists used found objects to make art. Explain what found objects are. The artist’s names are Louise Nevelson and Robert Rauschenberg. (Show the class on the PowerPoint or pass around some pictures of the artwork they made.) Ask the class to raise their hands and tell you what recycled items they can see in each picture. (5 minutes)

Louise Nevelson:

Robert Rauschenberg:

iii. Have students break into groups of 3-4 people. These will be their research and art groups. (1 minute)
iv. Now show the students the recycled and found objects you have accumulated and brought into the classroom. Explain to them that they are going to create their own art with these objects in their groups. They must use a minimum of three objects. Explain that when everyone is done each group will present their artwork and talk about what objects they used and what their artwork means or represents. (2 minutes)
v. Have 2-3 groups’ start creating their artwork using the recycled and found items. Tell them they have 10 minutes to create their masterpiece. Have the other 2-3 groups start researching for information on folk art and recycling. (Each pair of students will have their own computer) Have each group come up with 5 things that they learned by researching and have each student write it in their journal. (Write these questions on the board: What material can be recycled, can everything be recycled? What is the recycling process? Why should we recycle? What is folk art? What is an example of folk art? What is something that you learned or found interesting while researching?) If a researching group is done before the 10 minutes are up, let them know they are allowed to start making their artwork. (10 minutes)
vi. After 10 minutes have the groups switch stations and begin the new task. Let the newly switched groups work for 10 minutes. (10 minutes)

Culminating experiences:
i. Have the class gather in the front of the room. Each group will go in front and present their artwork. Have them show what objects they used and one thing they learned today at the computer station. Each group will have a few minutes to talk. ( 10 minutes)

Assessment
Present the artwork in the class. If possible, put them in a display case for the whole school or just have them decorate the room.

Read journal entries at end of the day

Observe students during group time that they are expressing their ideas and participating.