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NATURE'S ART AND MUSIC CURRICULUM

In this unit study, learners will:

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  • Explore the fundamentals of biomorphism, examining how artists draw inspiration from organic shapes, forms, and patterns found in nature.

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  • Investigate the history of biomorphic art, learning about key artists and their contributions to the movement, such as Jean Arp, Joan Miró, and Barbara Hepworth.

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  • Engage in hands-on activities that highlight biomorphism in art and design, including creating biomorphic sculptures or reliefs using mixed media.

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  • Explore the intersection of biomorphism and contemporary art and design, examining how biomorphic forms continue to influence fields such as architecture, fashion, and product design.

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  • Reflect on the significance of biomorphism in art, design, and society, discussing its role in promoting environmental awareness and appreciation for the natural world.

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  • Discover how nature has influenced famous compositions in music, exploring classical pieces inspired by natural phenomena such as "The Four Seasons" by Antonio Vivaldi.

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  • Be introduced to a digital audio workspace, BandLab, where they can compose their own piece inspired by nature, experimenting with sounds and melodies to express their connection to the natural world.

 

Throughout the unit study, learners will develop their artistic skills, deepen their understanding of art history, design principles, and musical composition, and cultivate a greater appreciation for the beauty and complexity of nature through both visual and auditory expressions.

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Raising Brain Barbara Hepworth Summer Camp Biomorphism
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Day 1: Introduction to Biomorphism and Nature-Inspired Art

 

  • History Makers Society Session: Introduce biomorphism as an artistic movement that draws inspiration from organic shapes, forms, and patterns found in nature. Explore the history of biomorphic art, highlighting key artists such as Jean Arp, Joan Miró, and Barbara Hepworth. Discuss how biomorphic art reflects the interconnectedness of art, science, and the natural world.

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  • Science Exploration: Learners will continue to investigate plant biology, exploring the intricate structures and functions of plants that inspire biomorphic art. They will engage in hands-on activities such as dissecting flowers to examine their reproductive organs and conducting leaf rubbings to observe the diverse patterns found in nature. Through these activities, learners will gain a deeper understanding of the biological principles underlying biomorphism.

 

  • Art Project: Learners will bring in organic materials from home they have collected such as leaves, sticks, flowers, shells, and rocks to share and observe with their peers. They will discuss the unique shapes, textures, and patterns found in nature, emphasizing the concept of biomorphism and nature’s influence on art. They will be invited to sketch their special collection as a still life. After sketching their natural items, learners will engage in various artistic activities that harness the beauty and diversity of their collections. They may want to create intricate nature mandalas, focusing on the intricate patterns found in their gathered materials. Additionally, they may craft "nature pizzas," where they will explore fractions by arranging their items in proportional sections on circular canvases. Another activity involves combining their collections into a collaborative long chain, where they will count, sort, and record the quantity of each item collected. Utilizing this data, they will construct a graph to visually represent their findings, promoting both artistic expression and mathematical understanding.


 

Day 2: Exploring Biomorphism Music

 

  • History Makers Society Session: Learners will embark on an exploration of Antonio Vivaldi's iconic composition, "The Four Seasons," invited to immerse themselves into its intricate melodies and evocative themes inspired by nature. They will actively listen for elements in Vivaldi's music that mirror the sounds and sensations of the natural world, such as the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves in the wind, the gentle patter of snowfall, or the rumble of thunder. Through this immersive experience, learners will deepen their appreciation for Vivaldi's mastery in capturing the essence of each season through music, fostering a greater connection between art and the beauty of the natural environment. They will also listen to other famous works (such as Tchaikovsky's, "The Storm", Debussy's La mer") throughout the day identifying nature's inspirations. 

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  • Scientific Exploration: Learners will engage in thoughtful discussions exploring the science behind the changes in nature and how these transformations can influence art on emotional and aesthetic levels. They will examine concepts such as seasonal cycles, weather patterns, and ecological shifts, considering how these natural phenomena impact the mood, emotions, and overall atmosphere portrayed in artistic works. Through these discussions, students will develop a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between nature and art, recognizing how artists draw inspiration from the dynamic and ever-changing environment to evoke specific feelings and responses in their audiences. By exploring the science of nature's changes and its intersection with art, students will gain insight into the profound impact of the natural world on human expression and creativity.

 

  • Music ProjectLearners will be introduced to a digital audio workspace to explore the sounds and rhythms of nature using Band Lab, using biomorphic shapes and patterns as inspiration for composing original musical pieces. They will experiment with incorporating natural sounds, such as bird songs or rustling leaves, into their compositions to create immersive and evocative auditory experiences. They will have access to go in and out freely to listen for nature's inspiration. 



 

Day 3: Reflecting on Biomorphism and Creating Collaborative Artworks

 

  • History Makers Society Session: Reflect on the themes and concepts explored throughout the unit study, discussing the significance of biomorphism in art, music, design, and society. Explore how biomorphic art can inspire curiosity, wonder, and appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the natural world. 

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  • Scientific Exploration: Learners will have a brief introduction to our later topic of biomimicry (week 13), the practice of drawing inspiration from nature to solve human design challenges. They will investigate examples of biomimetic design, such as Velcro inspired by burdock burrs and architecture modeled after termite mounds. Through discussions and hands-on activities, learners will consider how biomorphism in art can inform and inspire innovative solutions to real-world problems. 

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  • Music Project: Learners will continue their band lab project, and are invited to share with their peers once finished. 

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The above topics provide a general scope for our unit study, serving as a foundation for our exploration of Nature's Art and Music However, we aim to foster a broader learning experience by empowering learners to choose their own paths of research and project-based learning. By encouraging individual interests and inquiries, we enhance engagement and encourage deeper exploration of the diverse aspects of Biomorphism. They may engage in nature weaving projects using organic materials to create intricate designs and construct wind chimes from found objects to evoke the harmonious melodies of the natural world. These activities offer diverse avenues for learners to immerse themselves in biomorphism principles while fostering creativity and a deeper connection with nature.

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*Curriculum developed by Raising Brain, LLC

FOR THIS WEEK LEARNERS WILL NEED TO BRING: â€‹

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*A small collection of items they found in nature (can be from your own yard) to use in their art.

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*A pair of wired headphones. 

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If you encounter any difficulties in sending in these items, please inform us in advance. Thank you!

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