Educators Investigate Art, Science at UW Art Museum’s Summer Teaching Institute | News

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July 14, 2017




Science and art teachers experience hands-on learning at the UW Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center as part of the UW Art Museum’s 2017 Summer Teaching Institute. (Catherine Wagner Photo)



Fifteen educators examined the intersections of art and science during the University of Wyoming Art Museum’s Summer Teaching Institute.
Each year, the UW Art Museum hosts the Summer Teaching Institute, which focuses on object-based learning using artwork on display and work from the permanent collection. This year’s institute, “Transforming Learning: Investigating Art and Science,” was June 21-23.
The Summer Teaching Institute provides educators with hands-on experience and insight into current research happening in art and science, as well as research-based methods for integrating these disciplines. Using current trends in education, which include a focus on active learning in STEAM, or science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics, the UW Art Museum partners with different organizations to reach a common goal. This year’s partner was the UW Biodiversity Institute.
In-service K-12 science teachers, art teachers, general classroom teachers and community educators participate in this professional development opportunity, with options for Professional Teaching Standards Board credits or UW continuing education credit.
This year, participants examined artworks from the UW Art Museum’s permanent collection, guided by Katie Christensen, curator of education and statewide engagement, and Heather Bender, master teacher; explored African cichlid fish through the research of evolutionary biologist Catherine Wagner; and engaged in active-learning exercises that studied basic concepts in evolutionary thinking, led by Brian Barber and Dorothy Tuthill of the Biodiversity Institute. Participants also worked with two studio artists: Adrienne Vetter, interdisciplinary sculptor and installation artist, and Bethann Garramon Merkle from the Wyoming Migration Initiative.
The Summer Teaching Institute participants, listed by their hometowns and schools or organizations, were:
Casper -- Kathleen Backman, Southridge Elementary School; Staylee Brown, Cottonwood Elementary School; Paul Kasza, Kelly Walsh High School; Amy McCormick, ...

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