Coiling Geography "On the Pampas"
Michelle Dressler

Introduction:
South American gauchos (cowboys) use plants such as palm and hemp to make rope. Rope has many practical purposes but it is also used to make decorative items. In South American countries, artists use colored rope coiling it to make designs creating pictures. Students can use yarn and the coiling technique to create their own work of art reflecting a scene from the book, On the Pampas.

Grade Level: Adaptable 1-12

Connection to National Geography Standards:
The geographically informed person knows and understands...

• #2 How to use mental maps to organize information about people, places, and environments in a spatial context
• #4 The physical and human characteristics of places
• #10 The characteristics, distribution, and complexity of Earth's cultural mosaics

Objectives:
Students will be able to...

1. describe both the physical and human characteristics of the Pampas of Argentina.
2. use mental maps to create coiling art representing the Pampas.
3. explain the characteristics of the gauchos and culture of Argentineans.

Materials:
On the Pampas by Maria Cristina Brusca
Pencils
Construction paper
Variety of colored yarn
White glue

Introducing the Lesson:
This lesson incorporates art and literature into geography. Begin the lesson going over the Spanish words introduced at the beginning of the book On the Pampas. Using a map of Argentina (or South America) let students find the region defined as Pampas. Encourage students to brainstorm and share ideas of how they picture the physical and human characteristics of the Pampas of Argentina.

Procedure:

1. Read the book, On the Pampas, to students allowing them time to carefully view the illustrations.
2. When finished with the story, go over the brainstorming list and have students make additions or deletions to refine their definition of the Pampas.
3. Illicit suggestions from students about the variety of uses a gaucho may have for rope.
4. Explain to students the art form of coiling used by many South American artists.
5. Have students create their own coiling masterpiece by completing the following:
   • Students should draw a scene representing some aspect of the Pampas on a piece of white construction paper.
   • Students should fill in the shape with appropriate colored yarn by gluing it inside the picture using a coiling design. Make sure that students begin at the outside edges of the shape and work inward.

When completed with their coiled artwork, students should share their creations with each other. Assessment:
The coiling picture should be representative of the Pampas. Keep in mind that intricate details on a design can be challenging to create.

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