Objective

By the end of this lesson, Nicole will create a sculpture that represents the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Troy, New York, using recycled materials. This project will help her understand the importance of historical monuments and encourage creativity through art while promoting sustainability.

Materials and Prep

• Cardboard boxes (for the base and structure)
• Plastic bottles (to create columns or figures)
• Egg cartons (for texture and detail)
• Old newspapers (for paper mache or decoration)
• Glue (white school glue or a glue stick)
• Scissors (with adult supervision)
• Paint (any leftover paint or washable paint)
• Markers or crayons (for additional details)
• String or yarn (for added texture)
• Any other recyclable materials (like tin cans, bottle caps, etc.)

Before starting, make sure to gather all the materials and prepare a clean workspace. Discuss with Nicole the significance of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument and what it represents.

Activities

• Research and Discussion:

  Start the lesson by researching the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Discuss its history and why it was built. This will help Nicole understand the monument's significance and inspire her design.

• Sketching the Design:

  Have Nicole sketch her idea for the sculpture on paper. Encourage her to think about the monument's key features, like the columns and figures, and how she can replicate them using recycled materials.

• Building the Base:

  Using cardboard boxes, Nicole can create a sturdy base for her sculpture. Encourage her to think about the shape and size of the monument while constructing it.

• Creating the Figures:

  Using plastic bottles and egg cartons, Nicole can create figures that represent soldiers and sailors. Encourage her to be creative and use different materials to add texture and detail.

• Painting and Decorating:

  Once the sculpture is built, Nicole can paint it using leftover paints. She can use markers or crayons to add additional details and make it colorful.

Talking Points

• "Did you know that monuments like the Soldiers and Sailors Monument honor the people who served in wars? It's a way to remember their bravery!"
• "Using recycled materials is a great way to help the environment! What can we use from around the house?"
• "Sketching your ideas first is important. It helps you plan what your sculpture will look like before you start building!"
• "The base of your sculpture needs to be strong. How can we make sure it won’t fall over?"
• "Textures can make your sculpture more interesting! What different materials can we use to create textures?"
• "Painting your sculpture can bring it to life! What colors do you think would represent the monument well?"
• "Every detail counts! How can we add small features to make our sculpture look more realistic?"
• "Remember, art is about expressing yourself! How do you want your sculpture to represent the monument?"
• "Once you finish, we can display your sculpture proudly! Where do you think it should go?"
• "Creating art is fun and educational! What did you learn while making your sculpture?"