Inuksuk - Arts and Heritage St. Albert

Inuksuk

Grade(s): Kindergarten, 1, 2, and 3

Location: Visual Art Studios at St. Albert Place (Art Gallery of St. Albert)

Duration: 1.5 Hours

Teacher Provides: Water, paper towel and desk covering (In-School only)

Volunteers: 2–4 recommended

Please select which type of field trip you are booking from the options below:

Traditionally, Inuit people in the Arctic built Inuksuit's (plural) where the landscape had few distinguishing features to help them find their way to traditional hunting grounds, sacred places or home camps. 

Students shape clay into different rock formations, in order to build their own Inuksuk inspired standing sculpture. Inuk means “person” and suk means “substitute”.

 

Curriculum

    • Art 
    • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving 
    • (K–Art) Respond to, explore and develop confidence through art 
    • Social
    • (1–Art) Explore form and function and develop decorative styles
    • (2–Art) Communicate with visual symbols using a variety of media and techniques
    • (3–Art) Use art to express feelings and ideas; look closely and focus on improvement
    • (K–Social) Culture and Traditions
    • (1–Social) Key features of our physical world, including landmarks
    • (1–Social) First Nations, Métis, Inuit and Francophone communities
    • (1–Social) Respecting diverse cultures
    • (2–Science) Examine selection of materials based on suitability, availability, and sustainability
    • (2–Social) Canada’s Indigenous communities
    • (2–Social) Canada’s physical regions, provinces and territories
    • (2–Social) Traditions and Heritages across Canada
    • (3–Science) First Nations, Métis and Inuit relationships with land 

     

    Student Outcomes

    • Learn what clay is and where it comes from; why it is bisque fired in a kiln; how to use clay and clay tools safely in a professional studio
    • Students connect with world cultures and experience diversity
    • Examine a variety of different Inuksuit images, discuss the purpose of building these stone landmarks in harsh northern climates

     

    Suggested Pairings

    • Exploring Art – Art Gallery of St. Albert
    • The Inuit – Musée Héritage Museum

     

    *Note: All in school and virtual clay programs use air dry clay which is much less durable than clay that is bisque fired at our visual art studios. We cannot transport clay from in-school programs to the visual art studios for firing, but if your school has a kiln and a technician, we can supply suitable clay for firing at your school. 

    Click here for information on in school techniques for finishing air dry clay.

        *To book an in-school field trip, schools must schedule a minimum of two programs on the same day with a lunch break in between. If booking three programs in one day, the school must provide a room for classes to rotate through for the full day. Please note that if these requirements cannot be met, we may not be able to accommodate your in-school program request.

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        Teacher Feedback

        My students loved the field trip. There is a good mix of teaching about the history and hands-on activities.

        Holy Cross SchoolGr 2, “My School – Past and Present” at Little White School and “Work and Play” at St. Albert Grain Elevators

        Perfect project to complement our learning in Science.

        Wild Rose SchoolGr 3, “Metamorphosis” clay program - Art Gallery of St. Albert, St Albert Place Studios

        The presentation was engaging and informative. It fit in wonderfully with our kindergarten curriculum and was a positive and meaningful experience for my students.

        Windsor Park SchoolKinder, “I Belong” in-school Museum program

        These were valuable and engaging programs for the students. They enjoyed learning a new skill and at the river lots they were encouraged to think critically and reflect carefully.

        Leo Nickerson SchoolGr 5, “Learning from the Land” at the River Lots

        My students loved it and couldn't wait to go home and show their creations!

        Ecole HillgroveGr 5, “Needle Felted Owl” – Art Gallery of St. Albert, St Albert Place Studios

        This program was fantastic. The students loved the opportunity to be in council chambers.

        Albert Lacombe SchoolGr 6, “History of Local Government” Museum program

        I have done clay projects with you for as long as I can remember. Once again, everything was AMAZING! We have a new grade partner this year who had never been, and she absolutely loved it! The instructors are always excellent, They explain and guide the students in manageable chunks to make it easy for the kids to follow along. I love that you allow extra parents to come and assist. I especially like that the projects are always connected to the curriculum! Thanks again.

        Bishop David MotiukGr 3, “Nunavut Kayaks” Clay Program

        The Peru and Indigenous Peoples of Canada program perfectly connected Gr 3 Social Studies content with some Gr 4 Social Studies content. We had lots to talk about after.

        Lynnwood SchoolGr 3/4, “Peru and the Aboriginal People of Canada” Museum program

        The instructor was amazing. She engaged the students in the Métis culture. The activity was hands on and informative.

        St. Edmund SchoolGr 4 “Metis Contemporary Beading” Gallery Indigenous In-School Program

        Amazing program with a knowledgeable instructor who engaged my students and me too! Thanks so much for offering this field trip.

        Connections for LearningGr 3 “Tipi As Home” – Museum Program