New
New
An artist's respond to plastic waste
I can use my art practice to respond to environmental challenges.
Lesson 2 of 5
New
New
- Year 4
An artist's respond to plastic waste
I can use my art practice to respond to environmental challenges.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Human beings are creating a lot of plastic waste and fragments that pollute the oceans.
- Artists make us think and feel emotionally about their work.
- Artists can record thoughts and feelings in sketchbooks by making sketches and writing reflections.
Keywords
Waste - anything that is unwanted or unused
Fragment - a small part broken off or separated from something
Sketch / sketching - a drawing that is not meant to be a finished artwork
Common misconception
Art is only made from traditional art materials.
Art can be made from almost anything, including plastic waste, as in the case of Mandy Barker.
Encourage pupils to connect their personal feelings with the visual elements in the artwork. Prompt them to use their sketchbooks not just for drawing but also for writing short notes or questions about what the artwork makes them think and feel. This helps deepen their understanding and engagement.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Sketchbook and drawing media: pencils, pens and colouring pencils.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Breaking down a complex form into __________ shapes can help when drawing.
Breaking down a complex form into __________ shapes can help when drawing.
complex
complicated
sample
Q2.The process of fossilisation typically takes millions of years due to slow ...
The process of fossilisation typically takes millions of years due to slow ...
transformation.
erosion.
evaporation.
Q3.Which of the following is considered a simple shape used in breaking down a fossil?
Which of the following is considered a simple shape used in breaking down a fossil?
square
Q4.Match each simple shape to its correct description as it relates to drawing a fossil.
Match each simple shape to its correct description as it relates to drawing a fossil.
Q5.Match each term to its correct definition.
Match each term to its correct definition.
Q6.Order the steps involved in breaking down a fossil into its simplest forms.
Order the steps involved in breaking down a fossil into its simplest forms.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to the definitions.
Match the keywords to the definitions.
Q2.Henderson Island is now one of the most plastic-polluted places on Earth.
Henderson Island is now one of the most plastic-polluted places on Earth.
false
Q3.Which artist travelled with Break Free From Plastic and created a series of photographs about plastic waste?
Which artist travelled with Break Free From Plastic and created a series of photographs about plastic waste?
Banksy
Leonardo da Vinci
Q4.Mandy Barker's Shelf-Life photographs are created using traditional painting techniques.
Mandy Barker's Shelf-Life photographs are created using traditional painting techniques.
true
Q5.What was the purpose of Mandy Barker's Shelf-Life photographs?
What was the purpose of Mandy Barker's Shelf-Life photographs?
to advertise beach clean-up events
to sell artwork for charity
to promote recycling programs
Q6.What role does art play in raising awareness about environmental issues like plastic pollution?
What role does art play in raising awareness about environmental issues like plastic pollution?
It serves as a form of entertainment.
It promotes political campaigns.
It generates income for artists.
