Begin by asking students to define what they think the term “place-based” means.

Then, explain that it means to examine issues that are related to where we live. Students can examine issues within their school, home, neighborhood, town, city, or even state. The most important thing about place-based education is that the projects we create are connected to where we live.

Examples of place based education:

1. 1. 1. 1. Eagle Scout projects by Boy Scouts

         2. Studying the ecosystem around our school and neighborhood

         3. Documenting stories of immigration

Have students find their own examples/brainstorm ideas for place-based projects.

Begin by asking students to define what they think art is.

We all know what art is; critical art has a deeper meaning behind it, and can represent many meanings, like:

1. 1. 1. 1. Resistance: Dakota access pipeline protest art

         2. Hope: murals of inspiration

         3. Environmental: Greta Thunberg

         4. Collective: Community pride

         5. Remembrance: A tribute to Freddy Gray

Have students find their own examples of critical art, either doing an internet search or looking around their own communities.

Before explaining, ask students how they think these two ideas intersect.

Students will learn about issues in the community (place), and bring attention to those issues through making something to share with the community (art).

Through learning & reflecting, we will act, and students will gain a sense of “self-efficacy”

(above artist: Jody Thomas)