Meet Sam, our Maker in Residence a permaculture educator, industry expert, seasoned horticulturist, smoothie chef and community enthusiast. Experienced in a broad range of topics, from the fundamentals of hydroponics to advanced techniques in plant nutrition and sustainable agriculture. Get to know him, here.
Guiding our learners in the garden lab to immerse themselves in practical exercises, designing and building their hydroponic setups. Our commitment to experiential learning means teaming up with amazing educators offering new insights and approaches to the science learning journey via project based lessons.
Inviting the South Florida community to celebrate the work of teen environmental artists, final Art Show and experience a series of fun activities.
Be part of a live art-advocacy project put on by our students and the unveiling of their "Coral Play House". Students and families are encouraged to attend, meet our environmental teen artists, learn about their creative journey and enjoy a morning of our activities.
Our innovative art show is set to captivate audiences with its inspiring and thought-provoking "Coral Playhouse" pushing the boundaries of both art and activism.
OPEN TO All AGES & FAMILIES. ALL ABILITIES WELCOMED
Schedule of Events
TEEN ARTISTS FOR OCEANS SHOW
9:00AM - 10:30AM Community Coral Sculpting Workshop: A coral sculpting session with earth clay led by our environmental teen artists and Lele Art Lab
10:30AM: Coral Site Aerial Drone Photography: Join us for a remarkable event that will celebrate the importance of coral conservation and create a breathtaking aerial drone image that will leave a lasting impact. We will be capturing the magic of our community made - coral reef site from above. You'll have the opportunity to marvel at the collective beauty we've created together and take home your 3D coral sculptures.
11:00AM: CORAL PLAYHOUSE Art Installation: Unveiling of the "reef play house" made and assembled by our environmental teen artists to celebrate coral conservation. Our coral sites are vital ecosystems, supporting a diverse array of marine life and playing a crucial role in maintaining the health of our oceans. The interactive play house invites you to "SEA THE REEF"
Join us for a powerful art experience that captivates all ages and teaches environmental conservation and sustainability.
]]>
The SEA LAB is designed for young minds to become environmental champions and change-makers, in honor of the big blue planet. The perfect incubator space for creativity, collaborative problem-solving, digital competence, and career related learning, united in one inspiring space. We aim to help them transform the dialogue on environmental sustainability.
Students create purpose-driven, environmental, public, educational artworks to inspire both peers and community to engage in better care of the blue planet.
Thanks to 4PT Tiny Fellowship we were able to take our pop up art lab on the road! Learners became young artists, developed as positive change-makers, and found their personal connection to the blue planet.
We could not have done it without the support of the 4PT community. Thank you to all the educators who shared their learning spaces with us!
\
△ pop out tables, custom handle bar made out of wood
△ counter flip top and easy to roll
A mobile street art cart designed to be a traveling art lab. Created from scratch and up-cycled parts. It’s push-powered, earth friendly and with plenty of storage. Most importantly made with zero plastic. It has two built-in collapsible tables and an open countertop for storage.
Special thank you to my coach, Alex. Leading an amazing learning center for the DC community. In conjunction, to the awesome insights offered by Justin, who introduced the logic model template, that furthered my vision.
I'm happy to now be a 4.0 alum and join their community of nearly 2,000+ alumni. I'm excited about what's next.
FREEBIE: workbook dedicated to leveraging the power of art to unify and inspire young learners to care for the planet.
In collaboration with National Geographic Explorer, Robert Boyd for Educator-Explorer Exchange cohort 2021-2022.
Lele Art Lab started with my life as parent. It was observing the creative and colorful outcomes from my everyday life, immersed in child like imagination and watching my son's curiosity grow. Rooted in exploring the environment and finding out ways that would encourage that spark in him and other young minds.
Navigating the world of young learners is never straightforward; education often happens on a screen or behind four walls. I envisioned something different—a studio, more akin to a lab—where science meant to come alive, art was the tool and making engaged the mind. Here, we go beyond to advocate for and raise awareness about the environment. A greener planet and cleaner ocean is our purpose.
The starting point: a push powered, earth - friendly art cart. Yes, made from scratch and all sustainable parts. Once designer and built it brought upon infinite possibilities and here we are.
The focus: art as a language of exploration. The result, a space where science learning transforms into environmental action. A unique way to have art meet science - and where learners of all abilities get to build, tinker, and explore with a purpose.
We utilize simple tools: upcycled parts, found objects, and everyday items like cardboard boxes, newspaper, and fabric scraps to convey narratives that promote environmental stewardship and community well-being.
I enjoy volunteering for local environmental projects and often take the opportunity to be outdoors.
1. I love all things creative - making, crafting and design.
2. For over a decade, my focus has been on supporting purpose-driven organizations with their marketing and brand strategy needs. However, my career began in the field of informal education, where I specialized in ESL programming, adult literacy, and work in the non profit space.
3. I’m passionate about finding innovative ways to create positive action for our oceans.
4. New York City was home for a couple of years until 2019. Happily moved down south - to be closer to family, the beaches and the year around (Florida) sunshine.
5. I’m fluent in four languages and grew up in two worlds... immersed in the beautiful tropical spirit of Colombia and the diversity of Miami. I've also called five different cities my home and speak Spanish, Italian and Portuguêse.
Thank you for stopping by! I'm happy to connect on insta here or contact me here.
With love + grazie!
Ale
I recently learned it is called, cloud iridescence. According to NOAA colors come through the layers of thin clouds and since they are charged with water droplets, the sun's ray give it that rainbow color.
We hope to learn more about the science behind it, but for now we wanted to recreate it with watercolor magic. Give it a try, you will be surprised by how much your little one will enjoy it!
Time: 20 minutes Ages: Toddlers + Difficulty: Easy
Supply List
Step 1:
Set up a couple of jars with different water colors. Can always choose the intensity of the color you want by adding couple more drops. Place the eye dropper close by and have child practice using it.
Step 2:
Bring out the cotton balls and glue. Start to glue the cotton balls to the mat board. Have child take the eye dropper, select a color and ask them to color each of the cotton balls, drop by drop. Definitely a great fine motor skills activity.
Step 3:
Set aside the board with the cotton balls and begin to paint your stick. Remember to add a couple of coats, that helps for the color to be brighter. Use temperas or acrylics, either one is fine.
Step 4:
Cut out the cloud form, punch a hole through the top and run twine through it and tie it to the colorful branch.
PROMPTS TO HELP YOU FURTHER ENGAGE IN THE ACTIVITY:
Please tag me in your creations on Instagram and FB and use the hashtag #EXPLORERARTLAB to spread the word. We hope you enjoy this activity and thank you for being part of our community to grow "Everyday Creative Explorers".
]]>When Save the Manatee Club put out a call for manatee inspired art, I knew we had to participate. What made it an even better challenge was the fact the materials had to be "found objects."
There was not much planning involved as far as materials since all we had to do was sort through the plastic we had picked up on our beach walk. We then prep it. Washed, scrubbed and rinsed.
Our little artist was excited to search through the many bottle caps to find the right one to use. I figured from all the random pieces we had, some sort of theme would come up. The best hidden piece from our two pound trash bag was a piece of standard barricade tape. It was long enough to read the letters CAU, short for the word "CAUTION."
Here is our piece, we were super excited when we got done and we placed 2nd in the overall contest!
We hope this will be the start of many more marine debris projects. Hopefully, you can find ways to get creative with recycled goods. Sharing couple of shots from our project below, thanks for reading!
Setting out our pieces, construction paper, rough outline, and a good amount of glue.
Always a plus when you let kids discover. They often gravitate to colors they themselves recognize in nature.
Marine Debris from North Ocean Park, FL.
You'd be surprised by the #processart fun that comes from #upcycling.
Learn more about The Save the Manatee Club
]]>There is no better time to engage and inspire ocean advocates than childhood. Start out by creating under the sea sensory bin. It's an easy set up, recreating sea foam and having young ones search for shells and more.
Supplies
Add sand, water beads, and other ocean-themed objects. We kept it simple and used what we found at the beach.
Through the use of seashells, plant life, and ocean animals, children can learn to identify ocean life as well as engage in dramatic play.
What did you find in the ocean?
What different things can we find in the ocean?
What is your favorite part of going to the beach?
Please tag me in your creations on Instagram and FB and use the hashtag #EXPLORERARTLAB to spread the word. We hope you enjoy this activity and thank you for being part of our community to grow "Everyday Creative Explorers".
]]>Check out this canoe invitation to create a process art experience that is a quick project with endless learning magic.
Cut out your cardboard canoe. Taking a pencil to sketch it can help guide when cutting.
My son picked out the colors for this project. Toddlers love decision making and my little one was happy to call out his favorite colors. We used blue, yellow and different shades of green.
Use any recycled containers to hold the paint. We used an egg carton and allowed for us to mix the colors right on it.
Start to paint your canoe, we used different size brushes to learn about strokes. You’ll see after a bit you’ll have a favorite go to brush. It’s rather enjoyable to see the paint soak in and colors come to life. Put on the finishing touches with some sea charms.
We had a choice between seashells or sea sponges. (We only have 3 of anything from nature. Meant for our projects, discovery closet or pretend play).
Tell me what did you use to make your canoe?
Will you go in the ocean with it?
I can’t wait to learn about the island you will travel to!
Please tag me in your creations on Instagram and FB and use the hashtag #EXPLORERARTLAB to spread the word. We hope you enjoy this activity and thank you for being part of our community to grow "Everyday Creative Explorers".
]]>There is no better way to investigate natural materials than to go on a nature walk and end your trip with a fun nature based art project.
Here are steps on how to put together your first nature sensory bottle. Also the perfect project for little learners to explore the world around them.
Time: 20 minutes Ages: Toddlers + Difficulty: Easy
Supply List
Peel the label off the bottle, rinse well and clean the outer surface.
Step 2: Collect nature in small amountsGo on your nature walk and add the natural specimen found by your little one. Filled the bottle with tap water, and seal it. (Can use glue or tape.) Isn’t it awesome how the bottle magnifies the specimen inside?
Please tag me in your creations on Instagram and FB and use the hashtag #EXPLORERARTLAB to spread the word. We hope you enjoy this activity and thank you for being part of our community to grow "Everyday Creative Explorers".
]]>Here is a very simple activity that can be done with just a few supplies and fit for the attention span of any preschooler. Also the perfect activity to help kids develop fine motor skills, finger strength, and creative expression.
Time: 20 minutes Ages: Toddlers + Difficulty: Easy
Modeling Clay Dough
Styrofoam (save those from delivery packages)
Tempera Paints + Brown Paper Bag
Paintbrushes
Wooden Skewers
Set up the area with couple paint brushes, block of styrofoam, wooden skewers, modeling clay and paint. Paint the styrofoam board while discussing project. We used tempera paint, just enough to get our inspiration going.
Select a couple of wooden skewers, have child pick one and carefully place onto the styrofoam. They love the feeling of the pointy end moving through the board. All set for the fun to begin.
My almost three year old son was totally wrapped into this activity. He loved punching the holes, rolling the clay and the mushy feeling of clay between his hands. Placing the wooden skewers onto the foam board helps for stability and gets them to work vertically. Offering a new perspective.
Please tag me in your creations on Instagram and FB and use the hashtag #EXPLORERARTLAB to spread the word. We hope you enjoy this activity and thank you for being part of our community to grow "Everyday Creative Explorers".
]]>When I think of exploratory art making, I think of ways that we can get to recreate what nature already provides as inspiration. In this case we learned about the underwater world starting with corals.
Living in South Florida we've seen bits and pieces of coral wash ashore. These living organisms are the most diverse of all marine ecosystems and to learn about it we decided to create our own clay model using what we found at the beach.
Overfishing and destructive fishing, pollution and all things that cause a change in the ocean chemistry are all taking a huge toll on coral reefs. A big reason why ocean literacy needs to start young. And what better time to engage and inspire ocean advocates than childhood.
Time: 20 minutes Ages: Toddlers + Difficulty: Easy
Supply List
PROMPTS TO HELP YOU FURTHER ENGAGE IN THE ACTIVITY:
Please tag me in your creations on Instagram and FB and use the hashtag #EXPLORERARTLAB to spread the word. We hope you enjoy this activity and thank you for being part of our community to grow "Everyday Creative Explorers".
]]>We turned our drift wood finds into a collection of stamps and made a good set of prints. The best part is that our up-cycled wood was the perfect size for a toddler to work his art magic.
If you have wood scraps laying around the house why not turn them into stamps. You can also cut cardboard, make it square size and layer together for a good stamp hold. If you want to get in on the fun, read below for our step by step process. Surely, stamp printing projects will be a favorite in your household.
Supply List
Step 1:
Set aside the wood scraps you plan to work with. Use about five foam craft sheets and cut out different shapes. Paste the shapes onto different sides of flat end of the wood. I know, most stamps only have one side. But, I wanted to take advantage and use all the sides available.
Step 2:
Once the foam sheet shapes have dried on the wood, select colors. We didn't have ink, so we made it a bit more fun. We took a paint brush and painted over the shapes. It required greater skill and ended up being just as messy as ink.
Step 2:
You are ready to start start stamping away. Make sure to have ample boards for your prints. We used all the different sides and overlapping happened.
PROMPTS TO HELP YOU FURTHER ENGAGE IN THE ACTIVITY:
Please tag me in your creations on Instagram and FB and use the hashtag #EXPLORERARTLAB to spread the word. We hope you enjoy this activity and thank you for being part of our community to grow "Everyday Creative Explorers".
]]>The "Creative Village" is a grown-up playgroup, for creative moms and their little ones. Once a month we get together to talk, make, and share projects we've been working on. We exchange stories on passion projects, talk hobbies, design, have a clay date, make stuff, and sure occasionally there's talk about multivitamins. (We aren't the typical mom group if you get the vibe). We enjoy getting messy for art!
We promise a no-pressure crafting fun zone. Away from the daily parenting grind we learn something new and have a great time. Bring along your mini artist, there is an art station set up for them to have fun while we chat and craft.
Where do you meet? Details provided via invite.
]]>Is it tactile? Kids like using their hands to manipulate different types of materials with different textures. Exploring how things feel, fit together and come apart is an exploratory adventure already. Collage, sculpture and fun assembly projects make this easy. Best part is no matter the theme, you know that your students are working towards developing those important fine and gross motor skills.
Is it sensory? A sensory environment can be set up in different ways. They can be found objects in nature, plastic items from the craft store or whatever recycled trinkets you've set apart. Playing with these types of materials are great for children's development. It allows them to explore and investigate in new ways.
Is it open-ended? Children generally love when they have an opportunity to play and explore freely. When using open-ended materials the activity goes from average to having a high potential for supporting creative thinking. Allow your children to explore materials as they see fit.
Hopefully these three questions will help you in the journey of art exploration!
]]>Welcome to our "idea room" where it's cluttered with things that spark for a creative adventure. Together, we dive into the curious world of little artists and explore together. Freebies of play-based, art ideas and engaging activities.
]]>When we applied netted fabric to our board, it turned out to be a fun sensory, textured experiment. Give it a try!
Time: 10 minutes Ages: Toddlers + Difficulty: Easy
Start with explore as the lines, bumps and feel of the different materials you will use. Take your board and apply the net. Watch how paint took to the textured parts differently.
Paint along the top or right inside the grooves. Use a paint brush lightly over the surface to only paint the material on top.
Please tag me in your creations on Instagram and FB and use the hashtag #EXPLORERARTLAB to spread the word. We hope you enjoy this activity and thank you for being part of our community to grow "Everyday Creative Explorers".
]]>Want a space and some materials for your little one to explore, create and invent? We can help you design one or join us, at our Kids Art Classes.
Projects and activities are always fun and promote independence, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills. Teaching goal is to foster a positive learning environment filled with creativity and to help protect natural habitats through education and art.
If you've got a mini adventurer then check out our Explorer Lab sessions. In the early AM we get together to explore coastal habitats in search of critters, seashells and more. We go on a nature walk, learn about the ocean and enjoy a simple craft project.
If you love to collaborate our "Creative Village", a friendly kid + caregiver group might be more your speed. We put creativity first, talk passion projects and make art together. Click here for an invite!
]]>
In the Summer and Fall of 2020 I enrolled in a National Geographic course for the first time. I connected with like-minded educators, learned new skills and became part of a growing global education network. The course is made to inspire Pre-K—12 formal and informal educators to a various resources that help teach students about the world in innovative and interdisciplinary ways.
Keep reading this post to see how you can become a National Geographic Certified Educator! I'll also share insights of my capstone project.
“National Geographic Educator Certification is a free professional development program that recognizes pre-K through 12 formal and informal educators committed to inspiring the next generation of students to be informed decision-makers equipped to solve meaningful challenges in their communities and beyond.”
The program consists of three phases. No worries you can complete these phases at our own pace over the course of three months. Do not get discouraged if this is your first online learning program, the dashboard and instructions are easy to follow.
In Phase 1, educators are asked to share their teaching mission, submit short reflection assignments and view teaching through different perspectives. The National Geographic’s Learning Framework is introduced, practically the core beliefs and values of the organization. It is a guide that assists educators, built around attitudes, skills, and knowledge areas that encourage students to think like explorers.
It goes over a set of learning outcomes that define what kids can learn and do at different ages, working towards making the world a better place.
The hands on activities happen now. The course asks you to implement two classroom activities, and have students learn and experience what it means to be part of an "interconnected world". The National Geographic resource page is helpful, packed with tons of ideas and lessons.
The third and final phase of this course is all about the Capstone Project. The multimedia project includes short written reflections, photos, and video. If you aren't tech savvy, not a problem the mentor support group helps out with tips and tools to get your video together.
My reflection video commits to the global message of caring for our planet. I put together a lesson for ages 2 to 5, an art with nature immersion project in South Florida.The area we covered is part of the 24 miles of Broward County beaches and often visited by locals and tourists. We wanted to find ways to identify, clean up and restore our local beach and coastal vegetation.
I modeled my lesson’s efforts after Nat Geo’s Land, Water & Animals resources - which helped create categories and ways to identify the data we had just collected. We created two groups: Nature & Plastic.
The project has made me believe it is never too early to get involved. Fostering a sense of community is the first step in becoming ambassadors for the planet.
Having moved around the globe, for travel, work and education, living and learning about the world became important. Yet, even more so when I became a mom. Now with both roles, of mom and educator I am committed to inspiring the next generation of explorers. Thanks to all who provided support! Especially, my course mentor Marissa and the Team at NatGeo Learning.
]]>When a lot of hands-on exploration happen in the early years it allows children to flourish into lifelong creative thinkers. When a child is allowed to assemble materials and colors freely it is a clear invite to explore and discover.
Process art allows for that exploration to happen. For this reason, I am a strong believer that PROCESS ART is one of the best ways to cultivate creativity and exploration for our little ones.
Read below to learn more and understand the benefits of artful expression.
Process art is about the method behind the creation and allowing your child to explore, discover and experiment with art in an open-ended, unstructured way. Enjoying the journey of making something rather than focusing on the outcome.
According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) mentions Process Art has a number of benefits, here are just a few:
Each process art project I share here on my blog, are from my Art & Exploration Lab Class. It is kid-made (and kid-approved!) Little bodies have left smiling and their families proud of their creation. Thank you for stopping by!
Making art with repurposed materials is easy. But getting organized is not. These tips can help you sort out the best items and get started.
RECYCLING TIPS
Start by setting aside the below materials:
Bottles
Recyclable if mouth is smaller than base
Empty, rinse, dry, and reattach lids
Jugs
Recyclable if mouth is smaller than base
Empty, rinse, dry, and reattach lids
Examples: milk, soda, laundry, shampoo, contact solution
Tubs
Make sure to reattach lid after rinsing (DO NOT place containers inside of other containers)
Empty, rinse, dry, and reattach lids
I find that it's helpful to have a small jar by the kitchen sink and a spare laundry basket, both designated for recyclables meant for art projects. Extending the life of an object is already a creative learning moment for both you and your mini artist. What other ways do you create a greener art space?
]]>
Enjoy this fun, open-ended block play prompt and remember there is no right or wrong way to build. Place blocks together randomly or in patterns. Identify colors, talk about the ocean or build an underwater castle.
Visit your local library and check out books that feature different types of marine environments from all over the world. Looking to extend this activity? Check out other activities themed on the ocean at world ocean day resources.
Activity inspired by National Geographic's Storytelling for Impact course.
The "Magical Tiendita" was born in 2017, on a road trip into the small villages of the Western Andes of Colombia. A creative from New York City looking for a fresh start and a human rights lawyer teamed up for an impact driven-project. To reshape the marketplace for artisan families and create a space for goods that are beautiful because of the people who make them.
Andes Mountains, Pueblo Rico
The first year, we joined the New York City Fair Trade Coalition, became part of a growing group of social ventures working out of the Impact Hub and participated in various pop-up markets.
LB + Fe Designs @ Pop Up Brooklyn 2018
Our artisan collaborators grew from one family to three, we were commissioned designs for a private label and happily took a break to allow change to happen.
Today, our work evolved since and life as a new mom encouraged me to expand the artistic scope of this project. The next step was, opening a home art studio to nurture the creative spirit of young explorers and a place to share beautiful handmade objects that tell a story.
Thank you for sticking around as we share the exceptional stories and beauty of the unique cultures we encountered from the start of our journey. If you are new here, welcome. We are small but create meaningful work.
We provide opportunities for artisan families from the Emberá Chami community, with fairly paid and flexible work from home. We offer beautiful accessories, that evoke a sense of discovery, rooted in the richness of shared cultures and connections. We hope to give you a look into the lives of our skilled artisans partners.
"The Emberá community belief that women carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. The larger the adornment the greater their role in the community."
I was gifted a beautiful full grown monstera. Loved it from the second I saw it! I found the perfect spot for it, put it in a different pot and trimmed a leaf gone bad. I was inspired by this mustard colored leaf and set it aside for a fun leaf printing activity.
A big part of the art activities I put together, are meant to help kids connect with nature in wonderful ways. Leaf printing is just one of them. It lets you observe nature, see the tiniest details on the leaf and discuss the lifecycle of the plant.
Best part, you can always turn to your house plants for some inspiration and material. After a quick trim, use the leaves and stems you just cut and start your own leaf printing project. The bigger the leaves the better they are. See for yourself.
Time: 10 minutes Ages: Toddlers + Difficulty: Easy
Set up the area with a large set of paintbrushes, a paint roller if you have one and some paint. You can paint them in a block of one color or overlay the colors for some neat patterns. Looking what paint to use: We used tempera paint and mixed it with a white acrylic, it provides a thicker coating.
Press your painted leaf down onto your sheet of paper. Using a sheet bigger than the leaf helps to move the leaf around. Have your little one roll their fingers over the lead and slightly to press it down well enough, so that more of the paint will transfer to the paper.
Carefully lift off the leaf to reveal a beautiful print. Rich in color with the greatest of details. Even the stem shows up. The little one's enjoy peeling the left off.
My 2.5 year old son loved this activity. It was the right amount of messy and educational. We observed the glossy paint roll off the stem and talked about the odd-looking, perforated leaves. We ended up layering the leaf with different colors and got creative with the paper sizes. It's an easy set up and one that your little one will love.
Please tag me in your creations on Instagram and FB and use the hashtag #EXPLORERARTLAB to spread the word. We hope you enjoy this activity and thank you for being part of our community to grow "Everyday Creative Explorers".
]]>These are the exact women we want to support, skilled artisans who are leading change. Maria and Salome teach their extended community the art and trade of weaving. Our goal is to carve space for people like Maria and her family. They may live in small villages but their work is meant to reach a global audience.
We invite you to help us reshape the marketplace for artisan families of the Andes. Learn more about Maria and what inspires her.
]]>
Sharing a couple of shots I put together as part of my final course work for National Geographic's Storytelling for Impact program. The program highlights ways you can use photography, video, graphics, and audio to tell stories in the most impactful ways to inspire change.
Young children observing tiny crustaceans.
Little hands at work doing what they do best, exploring.
Native vegetation act as natural buffers that protect the shoreline and adjacent properties from the effects of erosion.
It goes without saying that these shots are the start of a larger project. Looking closer at marine life and thinking of ways to contribute to the care of places like these is important for me. Stay tuned for more!
Are you working on passion projects that bring you closer to your community?