This resource is a watercolor painting inspired by the field sketches and experience of artist and scientist Jill Pelto when she was working on North Cascade glaciers in Washington with the North Cascade Glacier Climate Project.
In the painting the artist is seen using a Cam-Line Measuring Tape, designed to determine well depth, to find the depth of a crevasse.
These measurements have allowed the artist-scientist to study the variance in crevasse size across the glacier, and analyze their changes over time.
Teaching Tips
Positives
The painting is simple and easy to appreciate and interpret.
Climate art inspires climate action.
Additional Prerequisites
The resource assumes that the students have prior knowledge of crevasses.
Differentiation
Students can be challenged to represent other climate change risks they identify in their community in the form of art.
Students could work in groups to analyze and interpret the painting.
The resource would inspire students to learn how to measure a crevasse and other interesting features in glaciers. It is particularly important to understand the glaciation process and land forms. This is recommended for teaching.
Standards
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 8 - Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
VA.8.RE2.5 1. Interpret art by analyzing the composition, contextual information, subject matter, formal art elements, and use of media to identify ideas and mood conveyed.
VA.8.RE2.8 1. Interpret art by analyzing how the interaction of subject matter, formal art elements, composition, use of media, art-making approaches, and relevant contextual information contributes to understanding messages or ideas and mood conveyed.
