Objective
By the end of this lesson, Nicole will have created her own sculpture inspired by the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Troy, New York. She will learn about the historical significance of the monument, the importance of honoring veterans, and how to use recycled materials creatively in art.
Materials and Prep
- Cardboard boxes (various sizes)
- Plastic bottle caps
- Old newspapers and magazines
- Egg cartons
- Toilet paper rolls
- Glue (white glue or hot glue, with supervision)
- Scissors (safety scissors for children)
- Paint (optional, use leftover paint if available)
- Markers or crayons
- String or yarn (for added details)
Before starting, make sure to gather all recycled materials and discuss the importance of recycling while creating art. It’s also helpful to look at pictures of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument for inspiration.
Activities
- Research and Discussion: Start by looking up the Soldiers and Sailors Monument online or in books. Discuss its history and significance. Why do you think it was built? Who does it honor?
- Sketching Ideas: Nicole can sketch her ideas on paper before starting the sculpture. What elements of the monument does she want to include? This will help her plan her sculpture.
- Building the Sculpture: Using the recycled materials, Nicole can start assembling her sculpture. Encourage her to think about the structure and how to make it stable.
- Painting and Detailing: Once the sculpture is built, she can paint it or add details using markers and other materials. This is where she can express her creativity!
- Presentation: Finally, Nicole can present her sculpture, explaining what it represents and why she chose to honor the soldiers and sailors. This can be done to family members or friends.
Talking Points
- "What do you think makes a monument special? Monuments help us remember important people and events in history!"
- "Can you name some wars that are important in American history? The Soldiers and Sailors Monument honors those who fought in several of them!"
- "Why do you think we should honor veterans? They have made sacrifices for our safety and freedom!"
- "How can we use recycled materials to create art? Recycling helps the environment and can inspire creativity!"
- "What parts of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument do you find most interesting? Let’s make sure to include those in your sculpture!"
- "How can we make your sculpture stable? Think about the base and how to balance it!"
- "What colors do you want to use for your sculpture? Colors can express feelings and ideas!"
- "How does it feel to create something from recycled materials? It’s like giving a new life to old things!"
- "Can you tell me about your sculpture? What does it represent and why is it important to you?"
- "What did you enjoy most about this project? Art is a great way to express ourselves!"