Tip #1: Conversation is the key to making this a successful project. Start with exploring Steven Siegel's work on his website. Focus on his large-scale installation pieces. Have students read the interview with Siegel to understand his working process and some of the thoughts that drive his art making. Use the following discussion prompts:

Some of these questions that focus Siegel's artwork relate to three levels of time: daily time, a human lifetime, and deep time. How does Siegel's artwork portray time in his work? How do the materials he chooses to work with support or negate his message? What might Siegel be trying to say by creating artworks that are meant to deteriorate? What in his artwork is of visual interest to you?

Tip #2: It is always beneficial to use many examples to inspire students’ ideas for their own work. Steven Siegel is not the only artist who values collaboration and conversation when creating works of art. Use the links page to get a sampling of other artists and challenge students to find more on the Internet or through art literature sources. Ask students to bring examples to class to present. Discuss the different messages, materials and techniques used by artists when creating collaborative artworks.

Tip #3: Review basic construction techniques with students. This project is designed to allow students to experiment with new art-making methods and to expand on previous skills. In order to ensure students are prepared for this project, it is essential to verify that they have certain understandings and skills. In advance of the project, review the following:

• basic methods of joining materials
• simple armature building
• methods for creating containers that can hold materials.

Tip #4: Schedule several in-process critiques to ensure student success. Class critiques and discussion early in the project will help students to solve problems as they are faced with them, instead of in haste at the end of a project. This also allows students to see the work of other groups and to benefit from the knowledge of others. Suggestions for critiques include:

• The first critique should be of the group's initial design selection.
• The second critique should be of the design the group's armature or other building method, including a discussion of the chosen materials.
• The final critique should examine the students' final pieces as well as their effectiveness in working together to achieve the desired outcome.