Lesson video

Hello, everyone.

I'm Miss Mia and I'm really excited to join you on your learning journey.

I can't wait to explore new ideas, create amazing projects, and have fun with you all as we discover and learn together.

In this lesson, you'll be able to select and create a sculpture of a potential future fossil.

Your keyword is on the screen now, and I'd like you to repeat it after me.

Casting.

Our casting is the making of a copy of an object by pouring a liquid substance into a mould.

You're going to be using this keyword throughout the lesson.

So when it comes to describing your method, I'd love for you to use this keyword.

This lesson is all about making a future fossil sculpture.

The lesson is made of two lesson cycles.

Our first lesson cycle is to select a potential future fossil to cast.

Then we're going to be moving on to making a future fossil sculpture.

Let's get started.

Now, did you know artists often use their imagination to envision futures as a way to explore possibilities, challenge current realities and provoke thought about direction of society? By imagining futures, artists can creatively address issues like plastic waste, offering alternative perspectives and inspiring change.

Art can encourage viewers to consider how their actions today might shape tomorrow.

Aisha and Alex have decided to make a potential future fossil sculpture to raise awareness about the impact of plastic waste.

Aisha says, "We know that plastic waste is a growing environmental crisis.

Human habits have an impact and we need to cut down plastic use." <v ->Hmm, this is true, Aisha.

</v> Did you know that plastic waste is becoming a major environmental crisis with millions of tonnes polluting our oceans, harming our wildlife, and contributing to climate change? Human habits such as plastic consumption are a key factor in this issue.

Items like plastic bags, bottles and packaging often end up in landfills or waterways where they take hundreds of years to break down.

To protect our planet, it's crucial that we reduce plastic use, and we can do this by choosing recyclable materials.

So small changes in daily habits can have a big impact on reducing plastic pollution.

Now, Alex says, "Plastic has the potential to become a type of fossil in the distant future.

The mix of plastic and natural materials like sand and rock could be discovered by future geologists as evidence of human impact on the planet." Over to you, which of the following are true? Is it A, artists always make art about factual information.

B, artists sometimes make art that encourages viewers to consider how their actions today might shape tomorrow.

Or C, artists sometimes creatively address issues offering alternative perspectives and inspiring change.

You can pause the video here to have a think and click play when you're ready to rejoin us.

So what did you get? You should have got B and C.

B is correct because artists often create thought-provoking pieces that reflect the present while emphasising the potential consequences of current actions on the future.

For instance, environmental artists may depict the effects of pollution, climate change, or deforestation prompting us as viewers to reflect on how their everyday choices impact the planet and its future generations.

Now, these works can function as both warnings and calls to action, urging us as individuals to consider the sustainability of our choices, whether they are related to environmental, whether they are related to environmental, social, or political matters.

By visualising a potential future shaped by present actions, artists bridge the gap between the now and the future, encouraging a sense of responsibility and foresight.

And C is also correct.

Artists can use their work to help people understand big problems like plastic waste and pollution.

They might show pictures of animals getting hurt by plastic or dirty oceans to make us think about how much waste we throw away.

By showing these problems in a new way, artists help us see how important it is to take care of earth.

They remind us to use less plastic and recycle more so we can keep the planet clean and safe for animals and people.

Through their art, they inspire us to make changes and protect the environment.

Well done if you manage to get B and C.

Let's move on.

Now, casting is a technique that artists use to make sculptures.

First, they make a mould of the object by pressing it into a clay mould.

Then, they pour liquid plaster into the mould to create a plaster cast.

So on the screen here, you can see that an object has been chosen and it seems like Lego character.

So this is our fossil object.

Then we can see that it has been pressed into the clay mould and it's left an impression.

By pouring liquid plaster into the mould, we've created a plaster cast.

Aisha and Alex are discussing how they will make a future fossil sculpture using the casting method.

Aisha says, "I think we should choose a plastic item that we think will make a future fossil.

Then we can use the casting technique to make a cast of it." Alex responds, "Good idea.

We need to think carefully about the item we choose to make a cast from." I wonder what items they would use? Back to you, which of these is not something you need to consider when choosing an item to cast? Is it A, the size of the object? B, the shape of the object? C, the name of the object? And D, the meaning of the object? You can pause the video here and click play when you're ready to rejoin us.

So what did you get? Well, if you got C, you are correct.

We don't really need to think about the name of the object.

Let's work our way through why the others are important.

Now the size of the object.

If the object was to be really big, we would need far more material to make it, and if the object was too small, we may miss out on some of the details that the object has when it comes to casting it.

What we need to do is pick a object that's not too small and not too big to cast.

The shape is important because it can be tricky to make moulds for things with lots of small details or sharp edges.

We need to make sure the material can get into every part of the mould so the object comes out looking just like we want.

Now when it comes to D, the meaning of the object, it's basically looking at what the object represents.

If it's something special like a symbol or a favourite toy, we might choose the best material to show how important it is.

The way the object looks and feels can help tell a story.

Thinking about these things helps us make sure that the cast turns out well and tells the story that we want it to, meaning that the name of the object really doesn't matter.

Let's move on.

Onto the main task for this lesson cycle.

Task one, you're going to be considering and selecting a plastic item to make a future fossil cast of.

You're going to make sure the item is one you have access to and have permission to use.

Super important, you don't really want to ruin a toy that you really, really like.

I'd like you to discuss why you have chosen the object that you have and why some other objects were not suitable.

You could pause the video here.

Off you go, have fun choosing the object that you'd like to cast, and then click play when you're ready to rejoin us.

So how did you do? <v ->Izzy and Jun also took part in this activity.

</v> Let's see how they did.

They're currently discussing the objects that they chose.

Izzy says, "I picked a Lego piece that has lots of bumps and is an interesting shape." And I think that's a smart idea.

The unique texture and shape will make Izzy's cast more detailed and visually engaging.

The bumps and complex design can create a more intricate mould, which can be a great way to show off the details in her final cast.

Plus, using something as familiar as a Lego piece can help people connect more with her work and see their everyday objects in a new light.

It sounds like Izzy's cast will have a lot of character and detail.

Did you pick a Lego character? Jun says, "I selected some toy soldiers I had." And I think that's a fantastic choice.

Toy soldiers have lots of interesting details and different shapes as well.

This can actually make Jun's cast really unique and eye-catching.

Their variety imposes and features can also create a dynamic and engaging final piece.

Plus, using something you already have adds a personal touch to your work.

It's a great way to turn everyday objects into something special and to showcase their details in a new way.

I wonder if you pick the same.

Now we're going to be moving on to our second lesson cycle, and in this lesson cycle, you're going to be making a future fossil sculpture using the object that you've chosen.

Let's get started.

Now, to make a future fossil, you'll need a plastic item you have chosen, clay, a textured surface, aluminium foil, plaster of Paris, mixed two parts powder to one part water.

Now, if you think you'll have difficulty mixing this together, you can always ask an adult to help you.

This video shows how the artist has made a future fossil using the casting process.

In this video, the artist creates a mould of an object from a piece of clay.

He uses liquid plaster to make a cast of it, and you'll see this now.

Over to you.

Laura and Alex are talking about making a future fossil by casting it.

Is Alex, correct? Alex says, "Mix it in a plastic cup or bowl using five parts plaster to one part water and stir thoroughly.

Use the mixture within five minutes." What do you think? Is Alex correct? You can pause the video here and click play when you're ready to rejoin us.

So what did you get? Alex is incorrect.

You mix it in a plastic cup or bowl using two parts plaster to one part water, and you stir it thoroughly.

Onto the main task for this lesson cycle.

For part one, you are now going to be making your future fossil using the techniques described.

You may find working in pairs helpful.

You and your partner can share ideas and help each other choose the best items to cast.

One person can focus on pressing the object into the clay while the other person makes sure all the details are captured.

You can also take turns checking for any mistakes and making sure everything is going smoothly.

If something goes wrong, it's easier to fix when two people are working together and supporting each other.

Part two, you're going to discuss what worked well and what did not work well.

And then you're going to consider the impact or message your sculpture conveys.

Considering the impact or message your sculpture conveys is really important because it helps people understand what you are trying to communicate through your work.

A sculpture isn't just about how it looks, it's also about the feelings, ideas, or stories it tells us.

For example, if you're creating a future fossil, in this case, from plastic items, your sculpture might make people think about plastic pollution and how long it lasts in the environment.

Thinking about the message can guide your choices in materials, shapes, and objects, helping you create a sculpture that leaves a strong and meaningful impression on viewers.

You can pause the video here.

Off you go, have fun making the cast off your chosen item and then click play when you're ready to rejoin us.

So how did you find that? Well, Aisha and Jun also took part in the activity.

Let's see how they got on.

Aisha and Jun are reflecting on their future fossil casts.

Aisha says, "I think I needed to press my plastic item harder into the clay because my cast was missing some details." It sounds like Aisha's on the right track in figuring out what went wrong with her cast.

Pressing your plastic item harder into the clay can help capture more of the small details.

When the plastic item isn't pressed firmly, the clay mould might not pick up all the fine features, which can cause missing details in the final cast.

So if this is you, for next time, try pressing the item evenly and with more pressure to make sure all the details are clearly imprinted.

You can also check if the clay is soft enough to capture the details well.

It might help to practise with different amounts of pressure to see what works best for your specific item.

Now, Jun says, "I think that seeing an everyday item such as the plastic toy as a fossil might help people consider how much plastic they consume." And I think that's a great observation.

Viewing an everyday item like a plastic toy as a fossil can really make people think about their plastic use.

Fossils are usually from a long time ago, so presenting plastic items this way helps show how long plastic can last in our environment.

It's a powerful way to highlight the impact of plastic waste and encourage people to reduce their plastic consumption and think more about recycling.

Using familiar objects as fossils can make the problem feel more real and urgent, inspiring more people to take action.

Well done if you managed to create a future fossil cast.

I'm super proud of you.

Now let's move on to summarise our learning.

In this lesson, you made a future fossil.

You now understand that art can encourage viewers to consider how their actions today might shape tomorrow.

You understand that a mix of plastic and natural materials could be discovered by future geologists similar to fossils.

And lastly, casting is a technique that artists use to make sculptures.

Thank you so much for joining me in this lesson.

I really hope you enjoyed it and I hope that you're proud of your future fossil cast.

You could have it displayed somewhere to act as a reminder to your friends or even family to be mindful of how much plastic we consume.

Thank you so much for joining me in this lesson.

Bye.