Unit Guide

Melting Glaciers in the Art Room

Wendy Bell

This unit integrates science, history, and literacy with the visual arts through the impact of the melting Alaskan glaciers on indigenous populations, animals, and climate. In coordination with the librarian, students will learn about these topics through examples of children’s literature. This unit is about the melting glaciers’ impact on animal and indigenous peoples of the Alaskan region. Students will have an opportunity to translate scientific and environmental issues into works of art. We will learn of the impact humans have had in regard to climate change and on animal populations in Alaska. What glaciers are, where they are located, and that glaciers were once covering our area will be central components to the lessons. Students will learn that scientists can predict outcomes of glaciers melting. Finally, students will learn of the effect of melting glaciers and climate change on indigenous people, specifically the Inuit. Students will create works of art in response to studying these topics. The projects include a landscape inspired by Zaria Forman, an animal portrait, a three dimensional model of a traditional Inuit dwelling, and a paper totem.