Content and Learning Objectives
The main goal and overarching theme of this unit is to intentionally look into and find inspiration in subjects outside of visual art (and the arts in general). As I mentioned in the introduction, looking outside of my worlds of art and music has served me well as a creator and has served me even better as an educator. Finding those connections and using the connections to create more deeply and with more substance is just as important as finding those connections and using them to remember and internalize information and knowledge. And yes, there is a certain ‘stick-with-it-ness’ that comes with using a more scientific approach to being creative. In much the same way that my unit on journaling in nature really pushed purposeful looking, listening, and making, taking a scientific approach to art making can show significant gains for students and adults trying to work on their skills of concentration and perseverance. As well, this can and should also be used as a great tool when looking at any scientific observation with a more aesthetic and style minded eye. Even the discussion of the symbiosis can be a useful tool. However, as always, we want to, and will be, making art … but also conducting experiments.
Just like any other form of sustained and purposeful engagement, we hope that making these connections enable us to scaffold the lessons and our art making into deeper and more integrated cross learning. When we have more information and more to choose from, our larger tool box becomes a ‘good problem’ to have. At the very least, connecting subjects, connecting concepts, and connecting learning leads to students learning and being able to apply a plethora of transferable skills.
Comments: