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Art and science might seem like unrelated
disciplines, but a UGA graduate student is exploring how the
two can interact in an educational setting. Jamie Calkin,
a doctoral candidate in science education, is researching
how visual arts can be used to teach science as part of his
dissertation project.
Calkin and Deborah Tippins, UGA professor of science education,
developed a study that allows Calkin to use both his artistic
talent and expertise as a former high school science teacher.
One key to the process is the UGA-Clarke County Schools Partnership,
which allowed Calkin to collaborate with Gaines Elementary
School teacher Annette Santana. Starting last August, Calkin
brought art and science materials into Santana’s fifth-grade
classroom. The two worked together to integrate the materials
and Calkin’s expertise into the science curriculum.
Working with small groups, Calkin taught units on ocean animals
and landforms and geology. In addition to high-quality art
supplies he brought in books, videos and items that the students
usually would not have the opportunity to see — like
bone specimens from the Georgia Museum of Natural History.
While learning about ocean animals or landforms, the students
drew or painted the objects and landscapes, getting a simultaneous
lesson in art techniques.
"Some kids found talents and interests they didn’t
know they had," Calkin said.
At the end of the units each student chose his or her favorite
piece of art for an exhibit hosted by the UGA College of Education
at Aderhold Hall. The students attended an opening reception
Jan. 16, where they viewed their art as well as Calkin’s
drawings and paintings based on his experiences in their classroom.
The exhibit is a dream come true for any budding artist, but
what’s most important is the knowledge the students
have gained, Calkin said.
"At the core of this work is what’s best for kids
and what’s best for the classroom teacher," he
said.
Building the New Learning Environment
The new learning environment is an academic and intellectual
community on the campus of the University of Georgia humming
with the vibrancy of the true college experience—bright
and talented students working with brilliant faculty formally
in the classroom and informally over a cup of coffee or lounging
in the greenspace which stretches from one end of campus to
the other. It is a place which recognizes that new information
technologies are transforming traditional academic disciplines
and embraces those opportunities. |
