Composing from Nature

To get yourself or your students outside, here are some simple steps to start composing from nature:

Step 1: Take a walk (for as long as you like) and start to collect items from nature that you find meaningful or inspiring such as rocks, leaves, sticks, flowers, etc. 

Step 2: With those items from nature and the art supplies, and digital technologies within the space and create something that helps to tell a story that is meaningful to your journey. You may want to consider the following questions when making your artifact:

• What is the story these objects help me tell?

• How does a walk inspire a different kind of noticing?

• What kind of artifact would help me tell my story?

These links may spark an idea about what you what to create using natural materials:

• '10 Ideas for Creating with Natural Materials' provides some examples of crafts that can be done using found objects.

• This article by DIYs.com provides 50 examples of decor made from things found in nature. 

This short article by the Vermont Institute of Natural Science explains why nature should be brought into the classroom, and examples of projects that could be implemented. 

'Incorporating the Outdoors Into Your Classroom Instruction' includes ways teachers can incorporate nature and education about nature into their classes. 

Nature can be used in science classrooms, where students can find items in nature and learn about where they come from and what role they play. Nature can be used to tell stories, practice mathematical concepts, and more.