Step 1:
Through email, word of mouth, and classroom engagement, we gathered students and taught them about the impact that buildings have on birds, especially during migration. The number of bird deaths hit hard - there is an estimated 100 million up to 1 billion deaths every year across North America (FLAP.org). That number is astonishing, having a huge impact on endangered species in particular.
We used a PowerPoint presentation, filled with statistics and photos to get our information out there, allowing for both visual and auditory learners to be fully educated. The reaction was quite interesting as most people did not know that the birds were dying in such extreme numbers. Our learners ranged in age from early twenties to late thirties. This broad range was scattered throughout our three art print making days. Our first group had 10 people (including the three FLAP team members), the second group had 5, and the final group consisted of our entire Environmental Education class.
We used a PowerPoint presentation, filled with statistics and photos to get our information out there, allowing for both visual and auditory learners to be fully educated. The reaction was quite interesting as most people did not know that the birds were dying in such extreme numbers. Our learners ranged in age from early twenties to late thirties. This broad range was scattered throughout our three art print making days. Our first group had 10 people (including the three FLAP team members), the second group had 5, and the final group consisted of our entire Environmental Education class.
Step 2:
Once the students were educated on the issue, we (along with our glorious leader, Hilary), taught how to make prints using lino-tiles. These tiles make for easy carving with small carving tools (Be careful! They're sharp!), and the students got to work, drawing out their own bird designs, and carving them into the lino tiles. The result? A whole bunch of amazing linoleum birds! The tiles are then coated in a very thin layer of printmaking ink with a small hand roller; and then using a pre-cut piece of paper, the image was transferred, producing one of a kind bird prints.
With the help of everyone, we produced over 300 beautiful prints, with various bird designs, making each print unique! By using one of a kind art we are hoping the professors who receive these prints will keep them, for a long time.
With the help of everyone, we produced over 300 beautiful prints, with various bird designs, making each print unique! By using one of a kind art we are hoping the professors who receive these prints will keep them, for a long time.
Step 3:
We then set about adding two short paragraphs to the back of the prints, explaining the print and how that person can make a difference to the lives of birds. A piece of string was added for easy hanging, and the prints were distributed to those in the OISE building that have offices with windows.