ArtStream Critterology

Missouri Critterology

Students will begin with a research project involving a selected list of native Missouri animals. They will have classroom lessons on food chains and the influence of stressors such as water pollution.

After writing a report covering both basic facts and how polluted runoff may affect the animal, students will write a poem and sketch the animal.

Working with the artist in residence, the students will learn basics of scientific illustration and complete illustrations of their animal using a model or live animal at the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Nature Center.

The final project will involve drawing their animal on a clay tile. These will be fired, glazed and made into a permanent wall hanging for the school entryway.

School: West Plains Elementary, West Plains MO
Lead teacher: Cindy Rasor
Collaborating teachers: Kathy Barr, Tracy Waggoner, Kathy Grigsby, Jodi Ruch, Kathy Davis,  Brandy  Montgomery
Artist: Pat Hight
Timeline: Begins February 2006

Grade level: 4
Number of students: 120
Subject areas: Communication Arts, Science, Social Studies