Science and art blend in many ways. Both disciplines involve experimenting. Scientists use the scientific method to observe what will happen when variables are changed or kept the same. An artist may experiment with different media, lighting, color, etc., to create a new work.
In addition, artists often obtain inspiration by observing nature or from the results of scientific exploration. In 2001, an artist named Pamela Bannos and an astrophysicist, Farhad Zadeh, jointly presented an exhibit called “Imaging and Imagining Space” at Northwestern University as part of a program sponsored by the Art Institute of Chicago.
Both used images taken from optical, x-ray, and radio telescopes to create their art. Dr. Zadeh ran the images through a computer to produce photographs. Pamela Bannos created artistic photographs from the real photographs by using a projector, enlarger, glass, petroleum jelly, and spray paint. The images “painted” by Pamela Bannos appeared so realistic that an astronomer viewing the exhibit thought one of her paintings was a real photograph of the remnants of a super nova! To view more information on this exhibit and some photographs from the exhibit, visit http://www.artic.edu/aic/students/sciarttech/2f1.html. What a fun way to learn about the solar system!
Art and science come together in other ways. Art experts also use scientific methods to authenticate paintings, determine the rate of deterioration, and identify the best ways to preserve a piece of art.
Tips for adding art to a science unit:
Study an artist who has a work (or multiple works) whose subject is related to the science topic. For example, a study of plant life can be enhanced by studying Van Gogh and his famous still life “Sunflowers”. After gathering flowers (perhaps flowers grown as part of the science unit), have your child paint their own still life. Challenge them to copy the style of Van Gogh.
Find an artist who utilizes a scientific concept or technology to create their art. For example examine the art of Nam June Paik who uses technology to build robotic sculptures.
Examine the works of an artist whose style is directly related to the science topic you are studying. For example, study the optical illusions of M. C. Escher as part of a study of the senses.
Read a biography of a famous artist. Did they have any interesting quotes in their lives? Study a quote from the artist. Ask your child what they think the quote means. Paul Ganguin once said, “I shut my eyes in order to see.” These types of activities add history, critical thinking, research and writing for a more in-depth unit study.
Thank you for visiting. See you next week on The Front Porch.
Michelle
Michelle and her husband have been homeschooling for 10 years and enjoy life in a tiny southern town. They are the owners of Treasure Box Press. Michelle holds a Master's degree in Child Development and Family Studies. She serves as the Judge Advisor for the North Carolina FIRST (www.usfirst.org) Lego League and a judge for the www.FIRST.org World Festival. She is the author of numerous Sam's Science Adventures available through www.TreasureBoxPress.com. She spent 15 years in the biotechnology industry before turning her heart toward home.
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