Art with recycling: poster for the planet
Upper elementary - 10-12 years - Duration: 2 sessions of 45 min.
Introductory Question
If trash could talk, what story would it tell us about our planet? How can we give it a new voice and a new purpose through art?
Explanatory Summary
In this activity, we will transform materials that we normally throw away into a powerful work of art. We will create a poster with a clear and creative message to promote the care of our environment. We will learn that recycling is not just separating trash, but an opportunity to innovate, express ourselves and generate a positive change in our community.
Skills to be Developed
- Cognitive: Analysis (selection of materials), Synthesis (combining elements), Creativity and Evaluation (assessing the effectiveness of the message).
- Socioemotional: Collaboration, assertive communication, social awareness and community responsibility.
- Internships: Fine motor skills (cutting, gluing, assembling), project planning and use of basic tools.
Linked standards: UNESCO (Education for Sustainable Development), Project Based Learning.
Learning Objectives
- Identify recyclable materials from the environment for use in artistic creation.
- Design a poster that communicates a clear and persuasive message about environmental stewardship.
- Apply artistic techniques to construct a three-dimensional poster with reused materials.
- Collaborate as a team to plan, execute and present the artistic project.
Materials
| Economical (Recycled) | Standard | Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Cardboard from boxes, newspapers, old magazines, bottle caps, paper rolls, unused clothing fabric. Homemade glue (flour and water). | Cardboard, scissors, white glue, markers, acrylic paints, clean plastic bottles. | Silicone gun (with supervision), eco-friendly spray paints, wood or canvas base, precision cutting tools. |
Safety note: The use of scissors or silicone guns requires adult supervision. Always prioritize clean and safe materials.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- Phase 1: Inspiration and Design (25 min) - Research local environmental issues. Brainstorm to define the key message of the poster. Create individual sketches and then choose one as a team.
- Phase 2: Collection and Creation (45 min) - Sort the collected recycled materials according to their shape, color and texture. Start building the base of the poster on the cardboard or poster board, gluing the larger elements to shape the design.
- Phase 3: Details and Presentation (20 min) - Add final details, text and small elements that reinforce the message. Prepare a short presentation (1-2 minutes) to explain the meaning of your poster to the rest of the class.
Formative Evaluation
Reflection questions:
- What message does your poster seek to convey and why did you choose those specific materials?
- What was the biggest challenge in working as a team and how did you solve it?
- How else could you use art to send an important message?
Evidence to be collected: Sketches of the design, finished poster, recording or notes of the presentation, journal of reflection of the process.
Evaluation Rubric
| Criteria | Initial | Basic | Advanced | Expert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarity of Message | The message is confusing or does not relate to the topic. | The message is simple and relates to the topic. | The message is clear, creative and persuasive. | The message is powerful, original and memorable. |
| Use of Materials | Limited and uncreative use of materials. | Uses recycled materials in a functional way. | It combines different materials in a creative way. | The use of materials is innovative and symbolic. |
| Collaboration | Works in isolation or does not contribute. | Participate, but require guidance to collaborate. | Actively collaborate, share ideas and tasks. | Leads, listens and motivates the team effectively. |
Differentiation
- Supports: Offer design templates, define clear roles in the team (e.g., collector, designer, assembler), provide image banks for inspiration.
- Extensions: Create a digital communication campaign using photos of the poster, write a manifesto to accompany the artwork.
- Challenges: Incorporate an interactive or moving element into the poster, or create a series of posters that tell a story.
Connections to Daily Life
- Environment: Directly apply waste management at home (3R rule: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle).
- Values: Promotes civic responsibility, respect for the environment and empathy.
- Finance: Promotes savings and conscious consumption by understanding the value of reusing instead of buying.
- Health: Raise awareness of how a clean environment contributes to the health of the community.
Safety and Sustainability
It is essential to ensure the safety of students. Any cutting or gluing tool (such as scissors or silicone guns) must be used under the direct supervision of an adult. In addition, this activity promotes sustainability by giving a second life to materials, reducing the amount of waste we generate and fostering a culture of respect for our planet's resources.
Guide created with the STEM Tutorial Generator (Gutenberg) - CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 License