ROCK CYCLE COLLAGE ANIMATIONS
Grade 4 (Ideal for Ages 9-11)
BIG IDEA
Natural materials change over time through Earth’s processes. Artists and scientists both observe, document, and reinterpret these transformations to better understand and communicate how our world evolves.
LESSON OVERVIEW
In this interdisciplinary STEAM lesson, students investigate the rock cycle, weathering, and erosion through close observation, sculpture, contour drawing, and collaborative stop-motion animation. Inspired by the work of Sarah Crowner and Etel Adnan, students explore how natural materials can be transformed into art while learning how Earth’s processes shape and reshape rocks over time. Students will observe and classify rocks (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic), construct sculptural rock formations using natural and recycled materials, and collaboratively animate the process of weathering and erosion to create a class film.
KEY ARTWORKS & REFERENCES
Reference Exhibition:
Faire Foyer: Sarah Crowner In Dialogue with Etel Adnan
Reference Artworks:
- Sarah Crowner, Faire Foyer (Creating a Welcoming Space)
- Etel Adnan, Ceramic Mural
- Etel Adnan, Pacific Coast Photographs
MATERIALS
- Rock samples
- Magnifying glasses
- Drawing paper
- Pencils, colored pencils, scissors
- Natural materials (rocks, shells, sticks)
- Recycled materials
- Trays
- Glue, tape, scissors
- Black markers, colored pencils, and white pencils
- Storyboard templates
- Tablets
- Background elements (sun, rain, storm visuals)
- Title card materials
LESSON RESOURCES
Be sure to share your artwork by taking a picture of your project and tagging @BassCreativityCenter and #BassCreativityCenter.
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