Scientists and artists have been the vanguards of change throughout history. Scientists question, research, discover solutions and uncover relationships or connections never considered before. Artists study the world around them observing relationships and interactions among and between objects or ideas. They create unique, innovative interpretations and expressions of their understanding of that experience. While these two groups may seem disparate, they are closer than you might think.
A Unique Opportunity – Forging Connections
The Calgary Science School (CSS) would like to present a significant opportunity: to work with our 600 Grade 4 – 9 students to forge connections between art (music, drama, dance and visual arts) and math, science and nature. This conference is a collaboration of teachers, art and science experts and parents to create an opportunity to integrate art and science more authentically into the students’ learning. It will also provide professional development for the teachers.
The workshop will consist of 1 hr 45 minute sessions with 50 students in each session. We see it as a Show/Tell/Do type workshop where the Artist (visual, drama/dance and music) shows the students a finished product; the scientist will explain the magic (science) behind it and then the kids get a chance to do some hands on work creating something. Create, Explore, Discover.
To make this event happen creative scientists and artists from the community will work together to forge meaningful connections for our students. The scientist and artist will work together to develop a specific activity to make a connection between art and science. For example explain the science behind the art of the sound made by an Alphorn…or the structure of a 3 D sculpture made of recycled materials.
Importance of Integration in for 21st Century Learners
In April 2010 Alberta Education published “Inspiring Education: A Dialogue with Albertans” providing a vision of education for future decades. The vision is built on the “Three E’s” of education: engaged thinkers, ethical citizens and entrepreneurial spirit. A goal is to provide integrated learning experiences. True integration involves the merging of two or more subject areas honoring the curriculum outcomes of each while building new subject meaning, relevance and engagement through their collaboration. Ideally, one subject area should not supersede the other, although there are multiple models of integration.
Vision
The vision of the Calgary Science School’s Forging Connections Conference is to create a 2 day workshop with 6 interactive sessions where 600 students in Grades 4-9 forge connections between art (visual, drama, dance and music) and science with the leadership of art and science experts from the community.
Relevance
Current research and trends in educating students support the integration of art and science in education. “There are many findings that indicate that the arts promote positive learning experiences and critical and creative thinking across the subject areas.” (Dr. Shelley Robinson, How Do We Know When Students Are Benefitting from the Arts?) This project is supported by the following:
• Aligns with the philosophy of the Calgary Science School, the charter and the Education Plan
• “Inspiring Education A Dialogue with Albertans”, Alberta Education document, April 2010
• Trends in educating students and preparing students for the real working world
