A Guide to Eco-Friendly Bottle Art
Activity - Classroom
GradesPK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5Visual and Performing Arts
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by GreenWaySquad
What it is
- This guide shows students how to make eight different art projects from used single-use plastic bottles.
- Each project includes reflection questions connecting the craft to topics like plastic pollution, water conservation, and the importance of trees and pollinators.
Teaching tips
Preparation:
- Gather all necessary materials, including:
- Single-use plastic bottles
- Scissors
- Paintbrushes
- Construction paper
- Clear tape
- Glue
- Non-toxic paint
- Non-toxic markers
- Tarp to cover painting surfaces
- Adapt the crafts to use whatever materials you already have available.
- Wash and dry bottles ahead of time.
Classroom Implementation:
- Supervise and/or help students as they cut the plastic bottles, since cut plastic can be sharp; bottles may also be pre-cut.
- Choose the project based on seasonal holidays (e.g., spider for Halloween, firework for the New Year).
- Build a decorative classroom plastic garden with sunflowers, butterflies, and palm trees created by students.
- Use the reflection corner prompts included with each project to turn the craft into a discussion about sustainability and the environment.
From the scientist review
This guide explains how to create art sustainably using plastic bottles. Instructions for a number of different art projects are provided, along with strategies to make the projects as low-waste as possible. Information about why certain materials are chosen is also included. The information presented is accurate, and this resource is recommended for teaching.
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