This watercolor painting by scientist and artist Jill Pelto uses ocean temperature data from the last 15 years to show the various effects of rising temperatures and human activities on the marine environment in the Gulf of Maine.
Teaching Tips
Positives
Students use their creative skills to "think outside of the box" and interpret the data in this artistic image.
The description below the image details the elements of the artwork and their connection to the graph displayed.
Additional Prerequisites
Students should be familiar with the following terms: temperature fluctuations, ocean acidification, overfishing, and species.
Differentiation
In art classes, students could use this as an example of a watercolor and colored pencil art piece.
A math teacher could share this resource with students when learning about graphs, and students could make their own artistic graphs using the data linked in the citation or from another source.
This image could be used as a hook for lessons about climate change, coastal ecosystems, or population dynamics.
Students could learn more about ocean acidification through this hands-on activity or use this StC lesson plan to investigate the effects of climate change.
Scientist Notes
The resource displays climate variability and other influences on marine resources and habitat. Anthropogenic activities have accelerated climate change impacts on marine ecosystems. This is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Science
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
6.ESS3.5 Ask clarifying questions based on evidence about the factors that have caused climate change over the past century.
Arts
Visual Arts: Standard 5 - Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
VA.5.PR2.8 2. Summarize and analyze why and how an exhibition or artworks may influence ideas, beliefs, and experiences.
Visual Arts: Standard 10 - Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences through art.
VA.10.CO1.HS3 3. Examine and explain the impact of an artist or a group of artists on society’s beliefs, values, and behaviors.
