Black and white photo of strange flower-like plant with stiff tendrils growing out of it

Photograph by George F. Clifton of plant from Crassulacea family, California, 1920s. Autry Museum; 317.G.8

Art in Nature

Resource Type
Lesson
Grade Level:
K–2, 3–5
Discipline:
Art, Science, Environment
Topic:
Art Elements, Nature

Self-Paced Lesson

Students observe a plant, explore different types of art, and create art that tells a story about their plant.


Standards 

CA VPA: Creating—Anchor Standard 1: Generate and Conceptualize Artistic Ideas and Work. Creating—Anchor Standard 2: Organize and Develop Artistic Ideas and Work.

CA NGSS: 3-LS4-4
CA NGSS: 4-LS1-1


Lesson and Resources

Lesson: Art in Nature; Spanish

Student Response Sheet: Art in Nature Fillable Student Response Sheet; Spanish


 

Associated Education Resources


Teaching Tips for Different Learning Environments 

Whole Class In-Person Learning: Groups assigned a plant characteristic and conduct a scavenger hunt to find examples in school yard. Take photos with electronic device or bring back students as a group and have them bring the class to the plant.

Whole Class Distance Learning: Group students and assign a plant characteristic. Students conduct a scavenger hunt to find examples at home and take photos. Groups present their photo on distance learning platform to rest of class.

Tech Fun: Use Padlet or Jamboards to describe plants. Use Flipgrid to share art and record story with art. Use inaturalist application for finding and observing plants.

 

Educational Programs at the Autry are sponsored by:

Dean and Laura Beresford · Molly and Neal Brockmeyer · Vince and Colleen Caballero · Capital Group · David F. Eisenberg · The Georgina-Fredrick Children's Foundation · Christy McAvoy · Marleen and Bruce Rognlien · Robert E. Ronus · Brenda and Gary Ruttenberg · The Steinmetz Foundation · Virginia F. Stevenson · Thelma Pearl Howard Foundation

Land Acknowledgment

The Autry Museum of the American West acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (the Los Angeles basin and So. Channel Islands). We recognize that the Autry Museum and its campuses are located on the traditional lands of Gabrielino/Tongva peoples and we pay our respects to the Honuukvetam (Ancestors), ‘Ahiihirom (Elders) and ‘Eyoohiinkem (our relatives/relations) past, present and emerging.

The Autry Museum in Griffith Park

4700 Western Heritage Way

Los Angeles, CA 90027-1462
Located northeast of downtown, across from the Los Angeles Zoo.
Map and Directions

Free parking for Autry visitors.


MUSEUM AND STORE HOURS
Tuesday–Friday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

DINING
Food Trucks are available on select days, contact us for details at 323.495.4252.
The cafe is temporarily closed until further notice.