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Artist Calder Kamin stands in a forest with her unicorn made completely out of trash, featured in the PLAY episode of Craft in America

LOOK! THERE’S A UNICORN

 

In this lesson, students are introduced to artist Calder Kamin, who infuses her artistic practice with playfulness. Calder Kamin creates large sculptures from recycled materials that often feature mythical creatures. Students will view a segment on Craft In America that shows the artist constructing an imaginative unicorn that is placed in a woodland setting where trail visitors will come upon it. After viewing the video and engaging in discussion, students will plan imaginative creatures using ideas of hybrids as a theme. Students will review why the artist uses recycled materials in her work. Then students will play and experiment with recycled materials to further visualize features for their creatures. Finally, students will consider presenting a surprise in the manner of display of their artworks in school.

Estimated Time: four to six 45-minute class periods

Grade Level: K–4

Craft In America Theme/Episode: PLAY

DOWNLOAD SUPPORTING MATERIAL

Download the Lesson Guide and Supporting Materials as PDFs to get started in your classroom.

PLAY
Full Guide

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Background Information
 Lesson Overview 

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Vocabulary
 Vocabulary & Key Terms 

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Teaching Tips
for Teachers 

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Further Information
Resources & Materials for Teaching

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Discussion Questions 
for Students

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Worksheet #1
You can imagine a mythical creature

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Worksheet #2
There's a unicorn in the forest!
 

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