This lesson plan relates to the Tibetan Buddhist altruistic approach to life and their strong belief in the impermanence of all things. It emphasizes to students the value of process over product, and the importance of working cooperatively for the good of the community.

Objectives:

1. To work cooperatively in groups of 4-6 students, in order to construct sculptures using only natural biodegradable materials.
2. The students will use materials they themselves have gathered. Twine and raffia may be used in the construction.
3. The work will be displayed outside where it will be destroyed by natural elements, reminding us of the impermanence of things.

Materials:

Straw, sticks, grass, twigs, leaves, etc. These may be gathered on a previous day. Twine, raffia, scissors.

Resources:

Look at the natural artwork of Rochester, NY-area artist Vinnie Massaro.

Motivation:

Discussion of the sacred sand mandala painting which is being created at the St. Lawrence University Brush Art Gallery. Explain to students that the objective of the sand painting is to create a circle of peace and to emphasize community. Display a photograph of a finished sand painting. After painting is completed, it is dismantled and the sand is thrown into the river, thereby spreading peace and symbolizing the impermanence of all things.

Introduce the fact that we are going to create our own impermanent art cooperatively. Look at the nature-based art of Vinnie Massaro. Understand that rather than dismantling our artwork, we are going to display it outside where nature will eventually destroy it.

Procedure:

Divide into teams. Attempt to use a method to divide students that enables them to work in groups they might not ordinarily pick on their own, fostering learning and the creation of new bonds.

Groups select their materials and assemble a sculpture that will be placed outside for display. Materials may be tied, bound, woven, stacked, etc.

After placing sculpture in desired spot, each group will present their piece to the others.

Emphasize that although our sculpture will eventually disappear, the cooperation and sense of community that we have achieved by working together will not.

Remind students that week by week, we will watch the work biodegrade and celebrate its return to nature.