"Tree Line Migration"

Artwork

Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Earth and Space Sciences, Visual and Performing Arts

Scientist Reviewed

Provided by Jill Pelto Gallery

Open Resource

What it is

This watercolor and colored pencil work depicts the potential for the changing habitat zone of the Norway Spruce, using a graph of global temperature data as inspiration for the tree line.
Students will see how temperatures have shifted and analyze the impact of global climate change on species and their habitats.

Teaching tips

Positives

This work is a beautiful combination of ecology, data analysis, and art, inspiring students with various interests.
The text below the image provides contextual information without being overwhelming for students.

Prerequisites

Students should understand the causes and impacts of climate change and know how to analyze graphs.

Differentiation & Implementation

Students can choose a different species from a mountain habitat to research how climate change will impact them.
After learning about climate impacts in their area, students can look at local tree species and predict how climate change will impact them.
Students may enjoy watching this video to learn about pika and how climate change impacts animal migration in mountain environments.
Art students can analyze the work by evaluating the use of color, textures, and light or other criteria.

From the scientist review

This resource provides a stunning artist’s depiction of global temperature data since 1880, shown through the lens of artist Jill Pelto’s watercolor Norway spruce forest along a mountain ridge. The temperature data curve follows the tree line and shows in an impactful, visual way how global temperature has climbed as if up a mountain over the last 140+ years. This piece is a useful teaching tool if teachers provide just a quick explanation of what is pictured. This resource is recommended for teaching.

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At a glance

Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Visual and Performing Arts
Other types: Articles/Websites
Language: English
Location: Earth, Europe
Provider: Jill Pelto Gallery
Authors: Jill Pelto Gallery
Published: May 24, 2024
Last updated: July 16, 2026
: Reviewed by our climate scientists How we review

Standards alignment · VA:Re8.1.8a + 9 more

Core

National Core Arts Standards

VA:Re8.1.8aInterpret art by analyzing how the interaction of subject matter, characteristics of form and structure, use of media, art-making approaches, and relevant contextual information contributes to understanding messages or ideas and mood conveyed.
VA:Re8.1.6aInterpret art by distinguishing between relevant and non-relevant contextual information and analyzing subject matter, characteristics of form and structure, and use of media to identify ideas and mood conveyed.
VA:Re8.1.7aInterpret art by analyzing art-making approaches, the characteristics of form and structure, relevant contextual information, subject matter, and use of media to identify ideas and mood conveyed.

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

MS-ESS3-4.Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth's systems.
MS-ESS3-D.Human activities, such as the release of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels, are major factors in the current rise in Earth’s mean surface temperature (global warming). Reducing the level of climate change and reducing human vulnerability to whatever climate changes do occur depend on the understanding of climate science, engineering capabilities, and other kinds of knowledge, such as understanding of human behavior and on applying that knowledge wisely in decisions and activities. (MS-ESS3-5)

New Jersey Climate Education Hub

Science

HS-LS2-2.Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.

Visual & Performing Arts

1.5.8.Re7b:Compare and contrast cultural and social contexts of visual arts and how they influence ideas and emotions.
1.5.12acc.Re7b:Evaluate the effectiveness of visual artworks to influence ideas, feelings, and behaviors of specific audiences.
1.5.12prof.Re8a:Interpret an artwork or collection of works, supported by relevant and sufficient evidence found in the work and its various contexts.
1.5.12acc.Re8a:Identify types of contextual information useful in the process of constructing interpretations of an artwork or collection of works.

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