How to Create Outdoor Sculptures With Students
Creating outdoor sculptures with students is easily done with basic materials and as a group. Creating one finished sculpture with a group of students allows the outdoor sculpture to be displayed at the school for everyone to enjoy and appreciate. Working together as a group builds teamwork and social skills with students and encourages everyone to create a special finished sculpture.
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Things You'll Need
- Sketch paper
- Pencils
- Plywood
- Hammers
- Nails
- Hand saws
- Wood glue
- Acrylic paint
- Paint brushes
Instructions
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Look at examples of outdoor sculptures with high school students by artists such as Andy Goldsworthy. Discuss how Goldsworthy uses nature around him as inspiration for his sculptures and how he often uses natural materials for his creation.
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2
Determine where the outdoor sculpture will be. Take students outside to find the perfect location. With sketch paper and pencils, have high school students sketch a design for an outdoor sculpture for the space. Along with the sketch, have students list the materials that would be needed for its construction along with a plan for its creation.
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3
As a class, take turns sharing sculpture plans. Decide on the best plan and outdoor sculpture idea to construct. The decision may include the combination of several student ideas.
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Gather the materials that the students need to create the outdoor sculpture, if other than plywood, hammers, nails, wood glue, hand saws and acrylic paints. Before constructing the sculpture, determine which students will take responsibility for different aspects of the sculpture's creation. Create a list on the board designating students' jobs.
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Allow the high school students to work on the outdoor sculpture and provide help as needed. If power tools are required, make sure to assist, or ask to use the wood shop if it is available. Make sure to oversee work so all high school students do jobs assigned during the construction of the outdoor sculpture.
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When the outdoor sculpture is finished, position it in the outdoor location decided upon and have a special reveal for the rest of the school to enjoy. If possible, permanently affix the outdoor sculpture in its location to be viewed for years to come.
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