Authors: Dr Jo Raphael & Dr Meg Upton
Jo leads the Drama Education programs at Deakin University. She teaches, researches, and publishes with a focus on in environmental sustainability and climate change education
Meg lectures at Deakin University in curriculum and pedagogy, is a specialist in senior years curriculum, an arts education consultant, and previous Curriculum Manager at the VCAA.
Year Level
Primary 5-6
Secondary 7-8
Learning Areas
Drama
Science
Sustainability areas
Human impact
Rubbish and littering
Futuring
Workshop description
This middle years (Lvls 5-8) unit provides opportunities for young people to consider what they value, and how human values and behaviours impact the environment. The workshop uses drama conventions such as puppetry and chorus to explore and share ideas, investigate problems, and invest emotionally. Students create and manipulate puppets, represent elements/spirits of the Earth, and develop short scenes depicting environmental issues and possible solutions. This workshop gives students opportunities to practice the Acting Green guidelines—Thinking Green, Speaking Green, and Acting Green—in readiness for real life.
Timeframe
4-5 hours
Resources
- Brainstorming supplies (recycled Post-It notes, pieces of paper, textas, pens)
- Shoeboxes: Invite students/staff to bring ‘rubbish’ from home. You will need:
- One shoebox for 2-3 students
- Decorating paper (e.g. junkmail)
- Objects to put in the shoeboxes
- Crafting supplies (tape, scissors, string)
- Projectable images showing aspects of the environment/the world that provoke/offer ideas for sound.