Inquiry Design Model (IDM) Blueprintâ„¢
Northern Lights in Mixed Media
NDNAEU 2 “Learning & Storytelling”
Compelling QuestionHave you ever seen the northern lights (aurora borealis) in the night sky? How would you describe them?
Standards and PracticesND Visual Arts Standards
VA:Cr1.3 Elaborate on an imaginative idea using resources, tools, and technologies to investigate personal ideas through the art-making process.
VA:Cr2.3 Create artwork using a variety of artistic processes and materials by constructing representations, diagrams, or maps of places that are part of everyday life.
VA:Cr3.3 Elaborate on artwork by adding details to enhance meaning.
Staging the QuestionIf you wanted to create a work of art to show someone who had never seen the Northern Lights what they look like, how would you do that?
Supporting Question 1 Supporting Question 2 Supporting Question 3 
What are other names for SkySpirits?What art materials could you use to represent the northern lights?What art materials have you chosen?
Formative Performance TaskFormative Performance TaskFormative Performance Task
Read the book together, SkySisters by Jan Bourdeau Waboose. Watch the time lapse video of auroras, then brainstorm for ideas (corporately or in small groups) of possible artistic materials you might use to represent auroras. Make a list of possible materials (e.g., black paper, chalk). Consider using more than one type of art material.Use your memory of seeing auroras in person or use the images from the video to decide what your representation will look like and what materials you will use. Make sure your teacher has these materials on hand.
Featured SourcesFeatured SourcesFeatured Sources
SkySisters by Jan Bourdeau Waboose:
https://www.amazon.com/SkySisters-Jan-Bourdeau-Waboose/dp/1550746995/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=sky+sisters&qid=1595961221&sr=8-2
Time Lapse of auroras in Scotland
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=75&v=fVsONlc3OUY&feature=emb_logo
Provide an array of materials for students to have choice. Use a fixative such as hairspray for chalk drawings. 
SUMMATIVE PERFORMANCE TASK: Supported Claim (written/spoken) or Demonstration of Process (project-based)Display finished artwork in main hallway for peers to enjoy and ask questions.
SUMMATIVE PERFORMANCE TASK: ExtensionFind poetry or other books on auroras.
https://www.amazon.com/Aurora-Northern-Lights-Mindy-Dwyer/dp/0882405497/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=aurora+childrens+books&qid=1596039648&s=books&sr=1-5

https://www.amazon.com/Northern-Lights-Amazing-Sights-Sky/dp/1515767574/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=northern+lights+childrens+books&qid=1596039694&s=books&sr=1-2

https://www.amazon.com/Northern-Lights-Celestial-Performances-Borealis/dp/1632170019/ref=sr_1_15?dchild=1&keywords=northern+lights+childrens+books&qid=1596039738&s=books&sr=1-15

Taking Informed Action / Real World ApplicationUse Skype Classroom with students from a far northern geographical location to ask questions about northern lights they have encountered.
https://education.skype.com/

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