Dear Parents,

First, some more pics from yesterday’s activity. I wanted to share with you my profound discovery from yesterday which started with the kids moving to the project room. Prior to it, they were studying the structure/architecture of a protein and showed a lot of expertise and understanding.

The second part of the session was devoted to 3D modeling the protein using art materials. I have spent quite a bit of time with Ryan and an art store staff member to pick up different art materials that could allow a protein to be built. The materials were placed on the table, the kids came in and were given the task to model, yet, they did not know how to start. Some of them used the materials to make funny things, I knew something was wrong, so did Ryan. What was missing was their ability to understand the nature of the given art material and its ability to represent scientific concept. I made them reason with me on why there are balls, flat and stick like materials, hot glue guns and tooth sticks. Soon they realized that the materials allow VISUAL REPRESENTATION of fold, twist, helix, amino acids and more. They took off and made outstanding models of a protein.

What I have learned from last session is that they experience art and science in complete isolation to each other. For them it seems to be either or while in reality one helps the other being.

You're invited you to share your comments below!

warmly,
Joanna