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Turtles Need Stars begins with an illustrated storytelling performance of Turtle Time, an illustrated and spoken word story about how turtle hatchlings "look for the brightest light on the horizon." T... Read more

Turtles Need Stars begins with an illustrated storytelling performance of Turtle Time, an illustrated and spoken word story about how turtle hatchlings "look for the brightest light on the horizon." The turtles expect to find starlight and moonlight shining on water, but when the brightest light they see is artificial light, they go in the wrong direction and are in danger. The concept of light pollution is introduced along with the Bortle Scale, a visual measurement of how clean a night sky is. The story ends on an upbeat note of how every single one of us can be part of the solution to light to light pollution by reducing our lighting footprint.

After the story, students will create their own Bortle Scale with watercolor and wax resist. They discover for themselves how their own wax "stars" stand out best against a dark (watercolor) sky. This is a color version of a visual arts Value Scale.

This program has direct connections into Wit & Wisdom modules on the sea, space (stars), myth (stars, which, if we can't see them, how do we know our heritage?).


The Light pollution discussion stimulates interesting questions and reflections, relevant for Wit & Wisdom modules on cultures in conflict; seeing both sides of an issue; and even justice and injustice, since the very lighting that makes us feel safe is dangerous for turtles, other nocturnal creatures, and also disruptive to human circadian rhythm.

This program has compelling and informative connections with Wit & Wisdom modules on the sea, space (stars), myth (stars, which, if we can't see them, how do we know our heritage?).

Students participate by joining in on repetitive phrases, experiencing day vision and night vision, and painting their Bortle Scale. Q & A highlight how an artist uses their art form to advocate for a social and environmental concern.

Follow up:Students are invited to become Citizen Scientists by reflecting on what they can observe and record in their own environments, whether insects at lights, nocturnal animals in their neighborhoods, or how lighting technologies are used.

Grade level adaptations include: modifying vocabulary up and down for grade level; using additional visual aids as needed; and adapt the discussion to grade level science and visual arts standards.

Artist brings powerpoint slides on a thumbdrive and a paper copies (picture book format) of the story as back up;- Bortle Scale Template (may need to photocopy on site);- I wil... Read more

Artist brings powerpoint slides on a thumbdrive and a paper copies (picture book format) of the story as back up;

- Bortle Scale Template (may need to photocopy on site);

- I will bring water color supplies if the school does not have them: water color paints, brushes, white crayons

- Study guide; resource materials;

For story: Screen or blank wall for slide show; darkened room(I also bring a hard copy of the story in case slides won't work).For art activity: white board or chart paper... Read more

For story: Screen or blank wall for slide show; darkened room
(I also bring a hard copy of the story in case slides won't work).

For art activity: white board or chart paper

- Sink and water nearby (bathroom is fine)

**Water color supplies --
white crayons
water color paint trays,
brushes,
containers for water,
paper towels
-space/place for students art to dry

**Discuss with artist if your school does not have these, artist will bring some for students to share.

Students can come to the floor for the story, introduction, and directions.They will be at their seats and/or tables for the water color activity. Students might need to share supplies such as p... Read more

Students can come to the floor for the story, introduction, and directions.
They will be at their seats and/or tables for the water color activity. Students might need to share supplies such as paints, water containers, and white crayons.

Student will understand the difference between artificial light at night and natural night.Student will understand that they can use art and writing to respond to environmental and other problem... Read more

Student will understand the difference between artificial light at night and natural night.
Student will understand that they can use art and writing to respond to environmental and other problems that matter to them.
Student will create a Bortle Scale of light pollution with wax resist and water color.