Download or read book Integrating Environmental Awareness in the Art Classroom written by Deborah A. Hryddziuszko and published by . This book was released on 2019 with total page 95 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Though many artists have focused on environmental concerns since the 1860s, traditional art educational systems have been slow to adopt eco-art education paradigms. My hope is to become part of a growing movement that places sustainability and environmental awareness at the forefront of art education. My research investigates creating a curriculum for a “zero-waste painting” while exploring the harmful impact traditional artist paints have on the environment. I asked the following questions: How can K-12th grade students reflect on human impact on the environment in relation to artistic practices? How can I integrate environmental education into an art education classroom to bring awareness of the implications of art materials on the environment? How can a curriculum project develop meaningful connections between the human impact on the environment and art, thus encouraging ecological stewardship? My research took place during a seven-week apprentice teaching placement with five students enrolled in an advanced painting class at a high school located in an affluent Chicago suburb. The 10th through 12th-grade students involved have previous painting and studio practice knowledge. We spent approximately three and a half weeks developing and creating the zero-waste painting project. Ironically, our work time was curtailed due to severe weather school closings caused by the 2019 Polar Vortex. My action research included gathering evidence through direct observation, personal journal reflections, written student responses, and recorded classroom discussions. I discovered that students are engaged and concerned about the state of the environment, but more time would be needed with the students to ground environmental awareness in relevant scientific and cultural knowledge and in making connections to their everyday lives. This would have allowed more in-depth connections to emerge in which students would be conscious of their selection of materials and methods for developing works of art. The zero-waste painting project has encouraged me to explore new ways to inspire and empower students by using art education curriculum to address human impact on the environment and art education to bring about environmental awareness. The aim of my future research will be to make opportunities for students to create meaningful artworks that are grounded in environmental awareness. I hope to stimulate students’ interests in relationships between the cultural and natural worlds so that students, teachers, and communities can work towards a more sustainable.