Ghost Net Artwork Inquiry Unit Adapted from AGSA (Art Gallery of South Australia) PD session on the integration of Aboriginal artwork into the classroom. Key points: Ghost nets are abandoned fishing nets which pollute the ocean and can be very harmful to aquatic ecosystems, trapping and killing marine fauna. Indigenous rangers who care for their country regularly clean up these nets and rescue entangled wildlife. Erub arts Collaborative transform ghost nets to develop installation artworks featuring marine animals and environments. These artworks draw a focus on the irreparable harm these ghost nets can pose when abandoned recklessly. Figure 1- Flow chart showing how ghost net installations can be broken down thematically and applications generated for use in the classroom. Some key themes/directions that can be taken in this unit. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural connection to land and sea. The Erub Island Environment and Ocean Our individual and collective responsibilities to protect the environment. Marine ecosystems and human impact on these ecosystems Plastics (microplastics) Environmental concerns Sustainability Investigation on Artists, and why they choose to create these ghost net installations. Ghost net artworks are a captivating, and engaging visual which integrate Aboriginal culture and key concepts of sustainability and responsibilities as a global citizen. This unit can is very flexible and can be modified and adapted to meet student needs and accommodate differentiated learning requirements of the student cohort. Excellent topic for authentic learning which empowers students to explore one of the key concepts which they find interesting or challenging. Can also be condensed into a mini inquiry unit or a topic which is used to introduce a unit and then used as a reference point which throughout the unit. Additional informations: ERUB Arts Collaborative (AGSA)- https://www.agsa.sa.gov.au/education/resourceseducators/resources-educators-themed/world-environment-day/brian-robinson-patterns-and-popculture/ Ghost nets (Article)- https://seaturtles.org/ghost-nets/ Ghost Nets Australia- https://www.ghostnets.com.au/ Scientists become detectives to identify ‘ghost nets’ (Article)https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/scientists-become-detectives-to-identifymarine-life-killing-ghost-nets/2021/05/28/84b3f7da-befd-11eb-83e3-0ca705a96ba4_story.html What art ghost nets?- https://oliveridleyproject.org/what-are-ghost-nets Weaving a messages of sustainability (Comprehensive resource on Erub island and ghost nets)https://www.sea.museum/whats-on/exhibitions/ghost-nets-of-the-ocean
