Artistic Creations of Southern California Carnivores Facing a Changing Climate

Objective

Students will deepen their understanding and appreciation of carnivores and how they are impacted by human activities by creating an artistic representation of what they learned.  Students will “share the story” of climate change and environmental stewardship through art.

Warm Up:

Discussion and Think-Write-Pair-Share

• Have students with a partner think-write-pair-share about the things they would like to do to help the environment and animals. 
• Refer to the 10 Things Poster to give students more ideas about ways they can help the environment. 
• Share with students that they will create works of art to depict the impacts a changing climate will have on animals, especially carnivores, and what a decrease in carnivores can do to an ecosystem. Have students brainstorm which 10 Things solution they would like to do at home to protect carnivores from climate change. 

Telling the Story Through Art:

Students will create a paper bag puppet of their favorite carnivore; bobcat, grey fox, or mountain lion. Have students write their 10 Things Solution on their puppet once complete. Using their puppet, have students share their creation, describe how a changing climate is impacting carnivores and share which 10 Things Solution they chose to protect their animal. 

Additional Activities: 

• Coyote Origami Video
• Haz una Mascara de Coyote (Español) Video
• Colors of Conservation – Mountain Lion

Student Project Examples

• What is your Climate Commitment? (Video)
• Climate.gif Video
• Climate Change and Carnivores Artwork V