Students of Creekview Elementary have enjoyed their spiced-up learning experiences since art has been integrated into their established STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) based school.
For the past three months, Creekview elementary went full STEAM (STEM with art integration) ahead by using visual arts as a tool to teach kids subjects while stimulating both the right and left sides of the brain.
Carbon County School District’s Visual Arts Specialist Daniel Bear, worked side-by-side with classroom teachers in all grade levels to integrate visual arts into learning math in a creative new way.
Play and imagination
Kindergarteners and first graders found themselves engaged in collaborative exploration and imaginative play as they created unique robot sculptures out of recycled gizmos and gadgets they brought from home. This activity allowed students to analyze two- and three-dimensional shapes while learning a thing or two about the importance and process of recycling.
Second graders got a little messy as they constructed ceramic buildings, effectively utilizing base tens, rulers, and measurement to the nearest half-inch. Students gained understanding about the lifecycle of clay and proper ceramic techniques. To finish this project, students used their buildings as community businesses as they acted as customers and merchants using various coin values during a role-playing activity.
Hands-on math
An alternative approach to multiplying was introduced to third graders as they constructed multiplication wheels and witnessed patterns that exist in the world of mathematics. Students described patterns using zentangle designs and geometric shapes on a number wheel. Multiplying has never been so fun!
Fourth grade students explored the idea of pixilation and investigated the use of fractions in art. Inspired by the famous artist, George Seurat, and his pointillism technique, students created their own pixel art. If you visit Creekview Elementary, you will find it hard to miss the larger-than-life chalk murals of a fox, whale, and minion decorating the brick walls with vibrant colors.
After studying the renowned artist, Henri Matisse, and his collage technique, fifth grade students investigated mixed numbers and improper fractions while creating a collage of plants and animals.
Who would have guessed there are so many fractions in art? This activity allowed students to discover a visual representation of fractions, which can oftentimes be an abstract concept to grasp.
Utah Core Standards for Fine Art expresses that “the study of the arts provides a place for students to explore new ideas, for appropriate risk-taking, for creative problem solving, for working together with others, for developing aesthetic awareness, for exploring and expressing the world, and for cultural awareness and representation.” Students at Creekview Elementary were able to experience this first hand thanks to the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program.