A TREASURE IN THE SEA: LEARNING ABOUT CORAL REEFS

In this lesson, students are introduced to artist Joan Takayama-Ogawa, whose recent ceramic sculptures highlight the effects of climate change on nature. Students learn about coral reefs, and how the reefs are affected by warming oceans and climate change. While constructing creative representations of coral through sketching and from clay, students learn how coral is formed and how it can become bleached by warming oceans and thus be in danger of dying. Students create representations of coral, choosing between a realistic or an exaggerated style, collaborate to arrange a “reef” of the finished pieces, and add infographics about coral reefs and their survival. The reef is displayed in school, serving as a model to teach others about the value of coral reefs and the effects of climate change on the reefs.

Estimated Time: four to five class periods

Grade Level: 1–5

Craft In America Theme/Episode: SCIENCE