Learning Ecology Through Art

This resource by Louise Litrico uses works of art to explore key concepts in ecology in an accessible way. It is comprised of 2 lessons, with a video being the main part of each. Each session focuses on different ecological notions through different pieces of art. The first session uses a painting of a dreamscape ‘Jungle’ to explore food chains, and interactions between species. The second session examines different environments through trying to grow a banana tree from Kenya in Scotland. The activities and questions posed within the video make the sessions interactive, and are in the form a worksheet which has a matching version with answers, as well as PowerPoints for use. These two sessions are aimed at second level students.

Learning outcomes
SCN 2-01a I can identify and classify examples of living things, past and present, to help me appreciate their diversity. I can relate physical and behavioural characteristics to their survival or extinction.
SCN 2-02a I can use my knowledge of the interactions and energy flow between plants and animals in ecosystems, food chains and webs. I have contributed to the design or conservation of a wildlife area.
SCN 3-01a I can sample and identify living things from different habitats to compare their biodiversity and can suggest reasons for their distribution.
EXA 2-05a Inspired by a range of stimuli, I can express and communicate my ideas, thoughts and feelings through activities within art and design.

In this resource
This resource bundle includes editable versions of the following:
A teachers guide which has notes that can be read out that explain the key concepts, along with instructions for all the activities. As well as details of exact times to pause the videos for the students to go through worksheets.
Lesson 1: How species interact together to form a community
-The 15-minute videos where Louise explains key concepts and sets activities, on Media Hopper Create, the University of Edinburgh (links provided on the Teacher’s guide.)
-A PowerPoint
-A worksheet
-A version of the worksheet with answers
-a handout for activity F for session 1
Session 2: How communities change due to the environment
-The 15-minute video where Louise explains key concepts and sets activities, on Media Hopper Create, the University of Edinburgh (link provided on the Teacher’s guide)
-A PowerPoint
-A worksheet
-A version of the worksheet with answers

This resource was created as part of the GeoScience Outreach Course which is a 4th year undergraduate course in the School of GeoSciences aiming to provide students with the opportunity to develop their own science communication and engagement project.
This resource was originally developed for Mauricewood Primary School in Penicuik, as two science lessons.
To find more Open Educational Resources from the University of Edinburgh, visit open.ed.ac.uk.
Author: Louise Litrico, adapted by Alysha.
Unless otherwise stated, all content is released under a CC BY 4.0 license.