In Elizabeth Cataletto’s sixth-grade art class at Pierson Middle School, students recently
studied local endangered species and created 3D models of the animals and their habitats.
The students defined terms like ‘endangered’ and ‘threatened’ and discussed what causes
an animal to become endangered and sometimes instinct.
“Many remarkable creatures inhabiting our local environment are at risk of disappearing
forever,” said Cataletto. Using the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation website, students researched animals such as the piping plover, mud turtle,
and tiger salamander just to name a few.
In pairs or on their own, students chose one animal to build a habitat for. They sketched the
animal in their sketchbook and wrote a paragraph on the species and their natural
environment. Questions such as what type of environment is necessary for this species;
why they are named endangered or threatened; and what actions can be taken to help
them, helped the students fully understand their subject.
Using Model Magic, a colorful modeling clay, the students built a model of their species and
its habitat to share amongst their classmates and spread awareness. “They loved this unit!”
said Cataletto.
Photo caption: Pierson middle school students, Leanora Gangemi and Sophia Perri, share
their 3D model design of a local endangered species habitat.