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Description
Invasive plants are harmful to our environment and community. But they may also be beautiful, colourful and an excellent source of pigments to create a diverse range of colours of nature paint. This resource invites students to explore the colourful world of plants and make “nature paint” from plant pigments.
Students can positively impact the environment by harvesting invasive plants and using them in artwork. Students participate in a community walk and harvest invasive plants to be made into homemade paints for unique works of art.
- Discuss the difference between invasive plants, native plants and non-native/introduced plants. Discuss why picking invasive or introduced plants commonly found in the environment is better than picking native wildflowers. Look through plant ID books or the ISCBC website to identify some invasive plants in your area and ensure they are safe to pick.
- Plan how to harvest plants safely. Go on a nature walk to see the colours available in your community. Choose a community greenspace that you can pick invasive or common plants from. Obtain permission to access the area if needed.
- Gather your students in your green space. Delineate boundaries for picking and review your safety procedures. Remind students only to pick the plants discussed while brainstorming, not native wildflowers.
- Decide how you want to make the colours: heat or cold press. Ensure students are wearing paint smocks or clothes they can get dirty. Plant-based plants are safe and non-toxic, but lifting stains from paints made from berries can take some work!
- Paint and enjoy!
General Assessment
Recommendation of how and where to use it
This outdoor art activity is an excellent way to inspire students to contribute to the community and care for the environment. The activity complements Science units that focus on the study of plants, habitats, ecosystems and biodiversity. Although the resource was created for teachers in British Columbia, teachers in other provinces can link this activity to the invasive species in their area. This hands-on activity teaches students about invasive species in their local area and complements other lessons on invasive species and their impacts.
Relevant Curriculum Units
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- Arts Education: Creative experiences involve an interplay between exploration, inquiry, and purposeful choice.
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- Science 3: Living things are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems
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- Arts Education: Dance, drama, music and visual arts are each unique languages for creating and communicating.
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- Arts
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- Arts Education: Dance, drama, music, and visual arts are each unique languages for creating and communicating
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- Arts
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Arts Education: Dance, drama, music, and visual arts are each unique languages for creating and communicating.
Themes Addressed
Ecosystems (3)
- Appreciating the Natural World
- Biodiversity
- Invasive Species
