An action research project exploring ecology in Art & Design with Year 10

Abstract

Drawing on contemporary ecological theory, this research project explores the extent to which a six-lesson intervention with a class of Year 10 Art & Design students in a maintained secondary school in Cambridge changed their perspectives on ecology and experimentation. The paper begins with a review of the relevant literature at the intersection of art, ecology and education, followed by an outline of the research methodology implemented. The findings are then presented and critically discussed, before conclusions are drawn, with implications for future practice and research. It is argued that working with unorthodox materials and processes in the art classroom can positively affect students’ perspectives of both ecology and experimentation.