Artwork to Inspire Discussion About Water Pollution
Lesson Plans
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Visual and Performing Arts
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by Bow Seat
What it is
- In this lesson plan from Bow Seat, students will analyze youth-created artwork about water pollution to identify details, themes, and emotional elements.
- Students will deepen their understanding of water-related issues by discussing observations with peers and reflecting on how artwork communicates ideas about pollution and human impact.
Teaching tips
Positives
- This resource offers a clear, structured visual analysis routine that helps students observe artwork closely and share their interpretations with confidence.
- The inclusion of global youth artwork makes the lesson highly engaging and gives students authentic entry points into conversations about water pollution.
Prerequisites
- Students should be familiar with basic discussion norms and be comfortable sharing observations in small groups. Students should also be familiar with the causes of water pollution and the damage it does to the environment.
- Teachers may want to review vocabulary such as tension, theme, and emotion to support students’ visual analysis.
- Teachers will need to make the physical or digital frames for the Crop It activity.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Though the ocean awareness contest described in the resource is over, students can still create their own art that tells their climate story.
- If there is extra time, students can read through the reflections written by the artists to explain their pieces. Students can note how the artists express their sentiments in their Work.
- Teachers can use this resource to make connections to Sustainable Development Goal 14, Life Below Water.
From the scientist review
This resource uses art to connect water pollution and climate change, as student art is used to convey deep messages about the ocean and our climate. Each piece of art is accompanied by a reflection from the artist highlighting the science that supports the image. This resource is recommended for teaching.
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