Plastic artivism

Teacher notes

This lesson could be linked to Marine Conservation Society Great British Beach Clean events, usually in September. This lesson builds on the earlier Beachcomber storyworld lessons 'Rob and the beach' and 'Ocean plastic' to allow learners to have enough background study of the themes. In addition, the fieldwork based lesson 'Water Quality' could be used as a way of gathering the resources needed for the lesson through a litter pick, providing local health and safety protocols are followed. **Please note:** In situations where learners are unable to share resources, they could be directed to use their own household plastic recycling waste, given advance notice to save enough materials. Teachers will need to organise relevant materials, e.g. glue, glue guns, scissors and so on. In this lesson we revisit Rob’s creative art projects and explore how he uses art for the purpose of social activism. Hence, 'Artivism'. You may like to develop this lesson by including reference to the Artivism movements in various parts of the world. Learners will have the opportunity to take local plastic (from a little pick or otherwise) and create their own artwork for a range of audiences, thinking about how they can share their art in creative ways. **Lyfta core themes:** Community and Citizenship, Natural Environment. **Lyfta core skills and values**: Active Citizenship and Political Awareness, Environment and Sustainability, Creativity and Innovation, Design Thinking, Digital Literacy, Feedback and Critique. **SDGs:**11, 12, 13, 14. **National Curriculum objectives:** KS2 Art to improve mastery of art and design techniques with a range of materials. KS3 Art to use a range of techniques and media to analyse and evaluate own work, and that of others to strengthen the visual impact or applications of their work. KS2 PSHE L5. to learn ways of carrying out shared responsibilities for protecting the environment in school and at home to understand how everyday choices can affect the environment (e.g. reducing, reusing, recycling; food choices) L11. to recognise ways in which the internet and social media can be used both positively and negatively. KS2 Science to explore examples of human impact (both positive and negative) on environments, for example, the negative effects litter and plastic waste.