Module 3

This module introduces arts integration through ecological art. You will examine how visual art can support learning through science, ELA, social studies, and other subject areas. You will also sow ideas for future lessons as you learn strategies for artists and artworks that connect with other subjects.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

Define ecological art and describe how art can support learning across elementary subject areas.
Identify environmental or community themes that connect to your standards and ND art standards.
Explore museum collections and online resources to identify artists and artworks aligned with classroom topics and standards.
Draft and reflect on 2 inquiry questions that could guide an ecological lesson.

Estimated time: 3 hours

Deliverables:

Discussion post + 2 replies
Assignment:

What you’ll do:

Watch the facilitator introduction video for Module 3
Complete the required reading
Explore artists in ecological themes
Review feedback from the facilitator

Required Reading

Stoltz, B. (2023). A Nature Thing: What Does Contemporary Ecological Art Produce? Arts (Basel), 12(2), 67. https://doi.org/10.3390/arts12020067

Review Ecological Artists

Harvard University Center for the Environment. (n.d.). Environmental artists. Harvard University. https://www.environment.harvard.edu/environmental-artists

Syracuse University Art Museum. (n.d.). The Art, Ecology, and Climate Project. Syracuse University. https://museum.syr.edu/education-2/the-art-ecology-and-climate-project/

Tabancay, R. (2023). Embroidery. Ruth Tabancay. https://www.ruthtabancay.com/work/embroidery

Anatsui, E. (2025). Vukawo. El Anatsui. https://elanatsui.art/artworks/vukawo-2025-bottle-caps-aluminum-and-copper-wire-299-7-x-309-9-cm

Sabraw, J. (2026). Current artwork. John Sabraw. https://www.johnsabraw.com/currentartwork

Goldsworthy, A. (2024). Four Wool Works. Andy Goldsworthy Studio. https://andygoldsworthystudio.com/four-wool-works/

Discussion Post

Choose one science, ELA, or social studies topic that you currently teach.

Explore the artists, artworks, and resources from this module. Select one artist, artwork, museum collection, or ecological art resource that connects to your topic.

In your post, share:

The topic you teach.
The artist, artwork, or resource you selected.
How the connection could help students better understand or engage with the content.

Reply to two classmates by suggesting another artist, artwork, or resource that could strengthen their lesson or provide a different perspective.

Assignment: Connecting to Eco Art

Purpose

This activity will help you practice making connections with ecological artists and artworks across subject areas. The inquiry questions you create may become the foundation for a future arts-integrated lesson you will create in module 5.

Submission Requirements:

One artist, artwork, museum collection, or ecological art resource
One classroom topic or standard connection
Two inquiry questions related to your topic and ecological principles
A short explanation of the connection (1–2 paragraphs)

Submission Type
Word Document

Assignment

Choose one topic you currently teach in science, ELA, social studies, or another subject area.

Using the artists, artworks, museum collections, and resources from this module, complete the following:

Identify an artist, artwork, museum collection, or ecological art resource.
Describe the classroom topic, unit, or standard it connects to.
Explain how the artist or artwork could support student learning.
Create 2 student inquiry questions. ex. Why are natural resources important to communities and ecosystems?