Art in Nature

Overview

In this 30-minute lesson for Year 2 students, learners will explore natural materials found in their outdoor environment and use these materials to create nature-based artworks. This lesson is part of the unit "Creative Connections: Art & Tech" (lesson 7 of 15) and aligns with the Australian Curriculum (v9) for Visual Arts, focusing on manipulating materials and developing an appreciation for connecting art with nature.

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Explore and manipulate natural materials to create artwork (AC9AVA2C01: Use visual arts processes and materials to create artworks).
• Experiment with textures, shapes, and compositions using collected natural items (AC9AVA2D01: Experiment and play with visual conventions, visual arts processes, and materials).
• Develop personal responses to art making using natural resources found in their environment.
• Reflect on the use of natural materials in artworks and share simple observations about their art (oral reflection).

---

Curriculum Alignment

• Australian Curriculum Version 9
• The Arts - Visual Arts - Year 1 and 2
• AC9AVA2C01: Use visual conventions, visual arts processes and materials to create artworks.
• AC9AVA2D01: Experiment and play with visual conventions, visual arts processes and materials.
• AC9AVA2E02: Explore examples of visual arts created by First Nations Australians (connecting to cultural respect and Country).
• Cross-curricular priorities:
• Sustainability through the use of natural materials and reflection on environment.
• Respect for Country and connection to First Nations Australian perspectives.

---

Materials Needed

• Small bags or containers for collecting natural items
• Outdoor area with access to safe natural materials such as leaves, twigs, flowers, stones, bark, pine cones
• Paper or cardboard bases for collage or assemblage
• Glue sticks or non-toxic craft glue
• Simple tools like child-safe scissors (optional)
• Clipboards and pencils (for sketching ideas)
• Wet wipes or handwashing facilities

---

Lesson Structure and Timing

• 1. Introduction and Motivation (5 minutes)
• 2. Outdoor Exploration and Collection (10 minutes)
• 3. Creating Nature-Based Artworks and First Nations Art Inspired Creations (15 minutes)
• 4. Reflection and Sharing (5 minutes)

This lesson includes a new activity where students create artworks inspired by Australian First Nations Art techniques and symbols, alongside their nature-based creations.

1. Introduction and Motivation (5 minutes)

• Gather students and briefly discuss the idea: "Art in Nature"—using things we find outside to make art.
• Show examples or images of artworks made from natural materials (e.g., leaf collages, twig sculptures).
• Ask guiding questions:
• What natural things can we find outside that might be good for making art?
• How can we use these materials to create something beautiful or interesting?
• Highlight respect for nature: only collect fallen items, don’t pick living plants or flowers.

---

2. Outdoor Exploration and Collection (10 minutes)

• Take the class outside to a designated safe outdoor area.
• Each student collects a small selection of natural objects.
• Encourage them to notice textures, colours, shapes, and sizes.
• Optional: quick sketches on clipboards to plan what they might create.
• Introduce the idea that many Australian First Nations artists use natural materials and symbols to tell stories and connect to Country.

3. Creating Nature-Based Artworks and First Nations Art Inspired Creations (15 minutes)

• Return to the classroom or an outdoor workspace.
• Begin with a brief introduction to Australian First Nations Art:
  • Explain its significance as a way to tell stories, connect to land, and express culture.
  • Show examples of common motifs such as dots, circles, animal tracks, and natural patterns.
  • Discuss materials often used like ochre, bark, leaves, and natural pigments.
• Students create two types of artworks:
  1. Arrange their collected natural items on paper or cardboard bases to create collages or assemblages.
  2. Create simple paintings or drawings inspired by First Nations symbols and styles, using pencils or crayons.
• Encourage experimentation with patterns, layering, and textures.
• Support students in using glue and tools safely.
• Teachers/assistants circulate to prompt thinking and creativity:
  • "What kind of pattern or shape can you make?"
  • "How do these materials feel?"
  • "What stories might your symbols tell?"

4. Reflection and Sharing (5 minutes)

• Invite students to share their artworks with the group.
• Ask questions to encourage observation and vocabulary:
• What natural materials did you use?
• How did you arrange your materials?
• What do you like about your artwork?
• Emphasise appreciation of creativity and connection to nature.

---

Assessment

• Formative assessment:
• Observe students’ participation and engagement during material collection and artwork creation.
• Note ability to manipulate and combine natural materials creatively.
• Listen to students’ verbal reflections to assess understanding of materials and artistic choices.

---

Adaptations and Extensions

• For students needing additional support, provide pre-collected natural material kits.
• Extend the lesson by photographing artworks and creating a digital collage using a simple drawing or photo app to connect art and technology.
• Integrate Aboriginal perspectives by introducing First Nations Australian artworks that utilise natural materials, linking to AC9AVA2E02.
• Include additional resources or stories about First Nations Art to deepen cultural understanding.

Teacher Notes

• Manage safety in outdoor areas, ensuring students only collect fallen natural objects.
• Encourage sustainability and respect for the environment.
• Use this lesson as an opportunity to connect students to First Nations Australian perspectives on Country and art, acknowledging that many First Nations artists use natural materials respectfully in their works.
• This lesson builds foundational skills in observation, material exploration and reflection in art.

---

This lesson plan combines tactile, outdoor learning with artistic creation, allowing Year 2 students to experientially connect with nature and creativity. It aligns specifically with Australian Curriculum content descriptions and elaborations relevant to early primary Visual Arts. The balance of exploration, hands-on making and reflection fits the cognitive and motor skills of this age group, facilitating meaningful arts learning in a short lesson time.