My child took a series of photos of derelict urban environments

Art

• The student has learned to observe and capture the beauty in decay and abandoned places, exploring the concept of "beauty in the unconventional."
• Through this activity, the student has also learned to understand composition and framing, as they would need to carefully frame the derelict urban environments in their photos to create impactful images.
• By photographing derelict urban environments, the student can understand the concept of contrast, as they capture the stark difference between these areas and the rest of the urban landscape.

Social Studies

• This activity has allowed the student to explore the historical and societal significance of derelict urban environments, fostering a deeper understanding of urban decay and its implications on a community.
• The student has developed an awareness of urban development, as they have had the opportunity to witness the impact of neglect and abandonment on once-prosperous areas within a city.

To further develop this activity, the student could create an art project or presentation that explores the history and societal impact of the derelict urban environments they photographed. This could include researching the reasons behind the abandonment of these places and the potential solutions for revitalizing them. Additionally, the student could experiment with different editing techniques to enhance the visual impact of their photos, further exploring the concept of beauty in decay.

Book Recommendations

• The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau: A captivating novel that explores an underground city and its struggle for survival, shedding light on the themes of decay and urban environments.
• The Giver by Lois Lowry: This thought-provoking dystopian novel delves into the complexities of societal structures and the impact of neglect on a community.
• Wonder by R.J. Palacio: Although a different genre, this heartwarming story provides insight into the power of acceptance and finding beauty in unexpected places, which aligns with the concept of beauty in derelict urban environments.