New
New
Art and environmental activism
I can create art that inspires strong feelings about an important issue.
Lesson 5 of 6
New
New
- Year 7
Art and environmental activism
I can create art that inspires strong feelings about an important issue.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Environmental art raises awareness of the harm we are causing to the planet and calls us to action.
- Artists use the power of imagery to communicate difficult realities about the planet.
- Artists use both shock tactics as well as joyful encounters to raise awareness.
Keywords
Imagery - a group of visual elements, like images, to create a specific mood, evoke emotions, or convey deeper meanings
Microplastics - tiny particles of plastic, made from big plastic things breaking down
Awareness - knowing about and understanding something
Common misconception
Artists only make work that looks good and is uplifting.
Artists use the power of imagery to communicate difficult realities about the planet.
The Additonal materials contains further support and information.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Paper, scissors, drawing materials, plastic bags, glue.
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.Which of the following is an essential method in the first stage of recording from nature?
Which of the following is an essential method in the first stage of recording from nature?
choosing a final composition before studying the subject
ignoring light, texture, and detail
using only digital tools without direct observation
Q2.Which of the following is an example of an architectural structure?
Which of the following is an example of an architectural structure?
an art exhibition
a drawing of a building on paper
a photograph of a street
Q3.Which of these is not considered a structural element in a built environments?
Which of these is not considered a structural element in a built environments?
roads
parks
buildings
Q4.Match the natural features with its architectural-like structure.
Match the natural features with its architectural-like structure.
Q5.Match the building with the natural inspiration it is based on.
Match the building with the natural inspiration it is based on.
Q6.Match the natural inspiration to the building.
Match the natural inspiration to the building.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Why do artists use powerful imagery when communicating the realities around climate change?
Why do artists use powerful imagery when communicating the realities around climate change?
to make people laugh
to ignore hard truths
to entertain people
Q2.How does imagery help in storytelling through art?
How does imagery help in storytelling through art?
by focusing on simple lines and shapes
by keeping the scene abstract
by using only black and white colours
Q3.Match the environmental art concept to how it raises awareness about climate change.
Match the environmental art concept to how it raises awareness about climate change.
Q4.Match the varied ways artists use sketchbooks.
Match the varied ways artists use sketchbooks.
Q5.What are microplastics?
What are microplastics?
large pieces of plastic found in oceans
recyclable plastic used in art materials
natural materials found in nature
Q6.What does "awareness" mean?
What does "awareness" mean?
ignorance of a topic
forgetting important details
avoiding certain subjects
