Application example of original printing works using packaging waste in visual arts course

This study examines the impact of original printmaking using packaging waste in a visual arts class on students' creativity and environmental awareness. The study was conducted with fifth-grade students at a middle school in the Yeşilyurt district of Malatya. The study aimed to demonstrate the contribution of using packaging waste as art materials to students' creativity and environmental awareness. In modern societies, increasing consumption and industrial activity have significantly increased waste volumes and brought about environmental problems. In this context, the reuse of waste materials for artistic purposes holds great potential for both environmental sustainability and artistic creativity. As part of the research, students were asked to collect various waste packaging materials, including textured packaging, cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, and aluminum foil, and use them for printmaking. Using these materials, students created original prints using various techniques, including relief printing, intaglio printing, monoprinting, and collage printing. The research was conducted using a mixed-methods approach, using both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. Students' environmental attitudes and responsible behaviors, as well as their artistic creativity levels, were measured quantitatively using various scales, while students' products were examined qualitatively using descriptive analysis. The findings indicate that using waste materials in artistic processes increases students' environmental awareness, enhances their creativity, and makes the learning process more enjoyable. In conclusion, it was determined that working with waste materials fosters students' creativity and significantly increases their environmental awareness. Furthermore, students expressed that such activities were both fun and educational, and it was observed that the projects increased environmental awareness and reinforced their awareness of sustainability. Keywords: Art Education, Printmaking, Experimental Printmaking, Creativity, Environmental Awareness.