During this cross curricular unit, we start with exploring the foundation of all living things in Science; the cell; identifying all its organelles and their functions. This web of learning then takes us to scientific drawings as we explore the microscope and it brings to life a visual of animal and plant cells through a microscopic lens. These images, with tiny little dots that are seen up close seem to create a meaningless image that is actually forming the base of all living things, a cell.

We continue our exploration and study some of the experts and pioneers in the art form of pointillism. This art technique uses a soft flicker of dots and strokes to create a full image, whether a landscape or people on a Sunday afternoon by Georges Seurat “La Grande Jatte”. He was a pioneer alongside Paul Signac in the late 1800’s who introduced us to a technique coined as ‘Pointillism’. We then move to a more modern Métis artist, Christi Belcourt whose intricate dot work is reflected in her colourful artwork depicting animals, plants in a mirror image all connected and interconnected using the techniques of dots. We continue this learning journey towards our Geography curricular expectations, researching and discussing the effects of global development and it’s impact on the environment.

Each student researched plants and animals of their choice and the role these animals and plants play in our environment. Our final product, the jewel that ends this intricate unit, are these beautiful pointillism art forms inspired by science, pioneers in pointillism and the beauty that radiates from our environment. Students were asked to explain the challenges they faced while creating their artwork, the significance of the animal and plant or plants and which elements of art were used.