Natural Landforms
Grade 3
Unit Cultural Theme: Natural Landforms
We are surrounded by splendor in the natural world. From rivers to ocean, mountains to tundra, landforms are a defining part of the uniqueness and beauty of our communities.
Unit Overview: Students will:
read and analyze basic features on a map of their community and the surrounding area using Google Maps,
compare crane’s and worm’s eye points of view (perspective) in photographs and regional artwork,
create a three-part painting (triptych) that zooms in on a natural landform in their region,
learn about complementary and analogous color schemes and use them in their painting,
give an oral presentation to tell the story of their place paintings to the class,
interview Elders and community members to learn traditional place names for geographical features in their area,
practice vocabulary related to the land in the Native language of their region,
create a tour of their place using their completed paintings and Google Map Tour Builder.
Understanding Goal: Students will understand that natural landforms contribute to the beauty and uniqueness of a community.
Essential Question: How can the beauty of our local landforms be represented in art?
Alaska Cultural Standard:
E- Culturally-knowledgeable students demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the relationships and processes of interaction of all elements in the world around them.
2. Understand the ecology and geography of the bioregion they inhabit
Artist Habit of Mind: Stretch and Explore
Students will explore the difference between crane’s eye and worm’s eye perspectives, and create thumbnail sketches of these different views to practice the sequence of their story. Using peer critique, students will work together to improve on their draft sketches before beginning their final painting.
For more information on artist habits of mind and critique/feedback strategies, see the links below.
Visible Thinking Routine: Beginning, Middle, End
