I can create the illusion of 3-D Space

2nd graders review desert, grassland, mountain, and jungle habitats in relation to the landscape tradition of art.  They analyze masterpieces to understand how artists create the illusion of space and communicate their ideas.  

Then, I introduce students to a whimsical contest in which little scientific illustrators are asked to imagine the wonderful adaptations of life on alien planets.   Students learn what scientists think might happen in high and low gravity planets, tidally locked planets, worlds with long elliptical orbits, oceanic and arid planets, and even possibilities which are theorized for gas planets.  I absolutely loved the landscapes that this inspired them to create!