Sustainability Camp Curriculum

BEACH ART BOOGIE

Time:    2-3hrs (partial block; could be expanded to a full block)
Place:    Beach clean up and found art with Peter Clarkson, Parks Canada

Overview

As human populations have increased and land uses have changed, many of our rivers, lakes, and oceans have become polluted. This block is focused on understanding pollution and pollution solutions from a global to local level.

Students will get outside and learn about ocean pollutants and how ocean currents contribute to ocean pollution as a global issue. In this “Beach Art Boogie” activity, lead by Peter Clarkson of Parks Canada, students may do a beach clean up and found art activity from the various materials found on their local beach.

Prescribed Learning Outcomes

• Grade 7 Science: Assess the requirements for sustaining healthy local ecosystems; Evaluate human impacts on local ecosystems.
• Grade 6 and 7 Physical Education: Participate safely in activities in a natural or alternative setting; an outdoor experience; Follow rules, routines and procedures of safety in a variety of activities; Select and assume responsibility for assigned roles while participating in a physical activity.
• Grade 6 and 7 Social Studies: Identify and clarify a problem, issue or inquiry.
• Grade 7 Social Studies: Analyse ways that people’s interactions with their physical environments change over time.
• Grade 7 Language Arts: Develop strategies for resolving conflict and solving problems.
• Grade 6 Personal Planning: Analyse factors that affect global health issues.

Objectives

1. Students will understand the principal pollutants that find their way into Canadian waterways, and waterways around the world.
2. Students will understand how ocean currents carry pollutants on a global scale.
3. Students will be able to draw connections between individual actions and results at the community level – the cause and effect relationship of various pollutants.
4. Students will develop strategies for minimizing and counteracting cumulative environmental problems in our waterways and beaches.
5. Students will engage in a hands-on artistic activity and local beach clean-up.

Materials

1. Wear rubber boots if rainy!
2. Gloves if available
3. Garbage bags

* ask Peter about materials required and what Parks Canada might be able to supply

Procedure

The intention is that Peter Clarkson will deliver the “Beach Art Boogie” program with students – this will likely include a beach cleanup and found art activity. Peter has years of experience deciphering and creating art with objects that make their way on ocean currents onto local beaches. He will come to The Ecolodge, or the group will meet Peter at a beach, for this session. Peter will teach students about ocean currents and their role in carrying pollutants on a global scale. Students will examine and decipher various objects found on local beaches, and create “found art”.

Please contact Peter regarding this session:

Peter Clarkson, Assistant Chief Park Warden, Pacific Rim National Park, can be reached at: peter.clarkson [at] pc.gc.ca or 250-726-7165 ext. 222

Look for an opportunity for students to use their journals – perhaps they might sketch the found art pieces!