Nature Art Camp: Art, Science, and Engineering Fun!
In this three-day STEAM camp learners will tap into their love of nature and their inner artist. We will engineer and build rock sculptures, experiment to make nature watercolors, explore nature artists and illustrate nature journals.
Ms. Sarah, M.Ed. Science Education
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(4)
What's included
3 live meetings
2 hrs 45 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Students will have the opportunity to practice creating sculpture, painting and nature journals outside of class. If they wish to share what they have created they may do so during the next class session. These are optional assignments.Assessment
There are no formal graded assessments for this course, however, students will complete short assignments during class, such as "design a sculpture". These quick projects will help illustrate the students level of engagement and enthusiasm, but they are not graded. Students also have the opportunity to practice their creative skills outside of class and bring completed art pieces back to class the following day to share with the group. Work outside of the zoom session is optional and not graded.Class Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
Beginner Level
During this three-day camp, we will investigate the many ways art can be created with natural materials and in the outdoors. I will inspire learners to create their own art with daily art activities, engineering challenges and science experiments. Topics included in the course will be: engineering a sculpture, making our own paint and brushes, and creating a dedicated nature journal. We will also explore the work of nature artists: Andy Goldsworthy and Clare Walker Leslie. Camp time will be a mix of teacher-led discussion, slideshow and video presentation, followed by group brainstorming and sharing. Each day the group will be presented with an idea or challenge for an art project that can be completed outside of our zoom session and shared the next day.
Learning Goals
Students will learn various ways they can use natural items to create art. They will strengthen their power of observation and problem-solving skills while also being creative.
Students will learn and use the steps in the engineering process: ask a question, research, imagine a solution, plan, create, test and improve.
Students will practice artistic skills such as design, painting, sculpting, and drawing.
Syllabus
3 Lessons
over 1 WeekLesson 1:
Engineering a Nature Sculpture
Today is all about art pieces made in the outdoors. Let's learn about nature artist, Andy Goldsworthy, and explore some of his amazing nature art installations. We will think about artists as engineers: what are the steps of the engineering process and how can we apply this to sculpture? We will complete a mini engineering sculpture challenge. Class will wrap up by brainstorming ideas for our own nature sculptures. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Make Your Own Nature Watercolors and Brushes
Today we will begin by sharing any nature sculptures we have created since the previous session. Then we will explore the idea of natural paints and paintbrushes. We will complete an experiment to make our own nature watercolor paints. As a group, we will brainstorm some ideas for natural paints and brushes. During class we will test out our nature paint. We will wrap up the class by planning a nature painting to complete independently after today's session. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Nature Collage and Creating a Nature Journal
We will begin by sharing any nature paintings we have created since the previous session. Our first task will be to create nature collage animals in an art design challenge. Then we will explore the idea of creating our own nature journals. We will view some nature journal examples from master nature artist, Clare Walker Leslie. We will wrap up with ideas and an invitation to start your very own nature journal. 55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Supply List
Day 1: A few rocks or pebbles or large gravel Day 2: A location that can get messy (table covered with newspaper, kitchen counter, etc.) Paper, watercolor paper is great, but any white paper will do Several colorful chopped fruits and/or vegetables, flowers or leaves Small containers or cups, can be from recycling bin! Warm (not boiling) water Several zip-lock style baggies Rolling pin (or large spoon if no rolling pin available) Scissors Paper towel for clean-up Paintbrush Day 3: Small natural items such as leaves, sticks, petals OR a magazine, or colorful papers that can be cut up for collage White paper or a blank drawing pad Glue stick or white glue Writing implement
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2023
5.0
4reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have over a decade of experience developing engaging and integrating art into elementary science curriculum as a science teacher. Prior to that I taught elective nature journal classes at an ecology school. I've also been creating projects like these with my own children and the teachers and families who read my science, STEM and STEAM blog, www.shareitscience.com since 2016. I love integrating my passions: science, art and nature! Reviews
Live Group Course
$50
for 3 classes3x per week, 1 week
55 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
2-6 learners per class
Financial Assistance
Get The App
Tutoring
More to Explore
Name The PersonMasterpiece Academy Paintings & Drawings Inspired By Famous ArtistsA Villains TalePython Games KidPrivate Clarinet LessonFlute Lessons With PamWorld Literature SectionFractions DecimalsBecoming A WriterReading SkillsStruggling MathIew Modern HistoryTravel SketchingRevolutionFilm Performance