Animals

In this collection, you’ll find units, lessons and activities focused on making animals using a variety of different media. 

Creating art about animals allows us to celebrate and explore both what we see when we look closely at animals and our own relationships to the animal world. Whether capturing their features through observation or imagining fantastical creatures, art about animals invites us to connect deeply with nature while developing artistic skills. 

Imaginary Animal Collage 
How can we create our own imaginary animals? In this unit, students explore tearing and cutting, arranging and composing shapes, and using patterns to bring their imaginary animals to life. 

Drawing Animals 
There are so many kinds of animals in the world! In this lesson, we will closely observe the shapes and details of different animals to help us draw them.  

Clay Animals 
There’s nothing like working in three dimensions to truly bring an animal to life. In this unit, students will transform their 2D studies of animals into 3D representations, crafting balanced, freestanding sculptures with intricate details and textures. 

Daily Sketch: What do Animals Think? 
Do you ever wonder what animals are thinking? In this activity, you will draw an animal—real or imaginary—and draw or write what you imagine your animal is thinking.