What are the ideas and processes in the exhibitions Len Lye: Heaven and Earth and Sensory Agents? We use sculpture to motivate an inquiry into spreading the message about caring for our environment. In the exhibition pupils gain knowledge on eco issues central to our own mounga and awa. Students develop poetic responses to the art, giving voice to our native birds and in the learning centre we construct 3D artworks that speak of Aotearoa’s precious natural environment.

This lesson has strong links to Puke Ariki’s 'Ngā Kōrero Mō Te Mounga' and Taranaki Wetlands lessons. Plan now for a rotation between the museum and art gallery.

At school

What endangered birds and bats do we have in Taranaki?  How can we help them?  

http://taranakimounga.nz/restoration/our-birds/

http://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/bats-pekapeka/

http://nzcurriculum.tki.org.nz/Curriculum-resources/Education-for-sustainability/Tools-and-resources

http://nzcurriculum.tki.org.nz/Curriculum-resources/Education-for-sustainability/Learning-experiences

http://www.niwa.co.nz/our-science/freshwater/tools/kaitiaki_tools/impacts

Download the Sculpture with a message resource here

Join Kaiako Jess Marshall in a lesson designed to support schools’ Te Reo Māori programmes. Inspired by the artwork Kureitanga II IV, students practise Te Reo, learn about the Taranaki waiata Pērā Hoki and see how contemporary artist WharehokaSmith re-interprets a traditional waiata.

At school

View WharehokaSmith’s online interview

Use the movement, sound and drama of kinetic art in the exhibitions Len Lye: Heaven and Earth and Sensory Agents to get moving. Dance the energy of a storm, the flicker of flames and flow of water then change, spin and float gently down. Pupils share movement words in English and learn words in Te Reo Māori. We then take our moves to the learning centre to experiment with body shapes and energy creating sequences that explore elements of the natural world.

At school

Practice your dance, extend it and present to another class. Create an abstract artwork using your movement words and patterns. Write a poem using the movements and sounds of Len Lye’s sculptures as a starting point. 

Investigate other types of art that move e.g. kites, mobiles, films, installations, and use as inspiration to dance.

We tour Len Lye: Heaven and Earth and Sensory Agents with a focus on creativity and problem solving. We discover the problems Len Lye overcame when constructing his sculptures then activate our own creativity and problem solving skills. In the learning centre student groups invent a sound and movement activity centre for younger gallery visitors. The groups test each other’s design outcomes.
BYO your class ipad or phone to photo students’ designs.

This lesson has strong links to Puke Ariki’s ‘Creativity and innovation’ lesson, so plan now for a rotation between the museum and art gallery.

At school

What are some Taranaki examples of problem solving?

How did traditional Māori use technology?

What makes a good playground? How could your school playground be improved?

Make a sense trail around your classroom

Pupils explore the use of sound in the exhibitions Len Lye: Heaven and Earth and Sensory Agent and investigate how visual artists use sound when communicating through art. In groups we continue our learning by tuning into the sounds around us plus adding our own. Student teams record their selection of sounds and combine them creatively to produce a digital track that evokes an imaginary journey.

At school

Explore the sonic properties of found objects. Tap, rattle and play them to create your own soundscape.

Write a poem that uses phonics inspired by a natural environment.

Focus on your senses and the connections between them. What smell does a colour have?

Use a feely box to experience texture and draw what you can touch. 

Discover how old school animation works and give it a go. What makes Len Lye’s films still cool today? We go to the flicks, viewing Len Lye’s abstract films to discover how image, movement and sound are combined to create an illusion. Students analyse animation techniques and use gallery zoetropes (animation viewing devices) to create their own moving image.
BYO your class video camera, phone or ipad to record students’ animations.

At school

View Len Lye films online or the Colour Box DVD available from the Govett-Brewster Shop or loan from the Gallery educators.

Download the Len Lye: Abstract Animation resource here.

What can we learn from Len Lye? Experience the multi-sensory exhibitions through interactive activities adaptable to your students’ learning needs and level. Find out how Len Lye got his ideas and what made his art special. Then make your own Len Lye inspired artwork. See Len Lye: Heaven and Earth and Sensory Agents for relevant exhibition information.

At school

Find out about Len Lye here