Using Artistic Expression in Science
ART-90054
In response to COVID-19 health guidelines, we have restructured most of our in-person Junior Academy workshops as online courses. This in-person workshop has been canceled and will not be offered as an online course. Please see our available online courses to find other topics that may interest you. If you have registered for this course, you will receive a refund. Contact us at srs@ucsd.edu if you have questions.
Use Art to Share Science Discoveries
Art offers a powerful means for communicating about science. Learn to use artistic expression to share your scientific observations and discoveries in a way that resonates strongly with viewers.
We will start by learning about the diversity of marine algae and using a microscope to examine plankton. We will also explore form and function by comparing the anatomy of different types of fish. Students will act as field biologists observing the natural world and then will create artworks linked closely to what they have observed. Projects will include algae pressing, phytoplankton illustration and Japanese Gyotaku-style fish printing. The goal is not to produce the most beautiful piece of art, but rather to produce informative and accurate works.
What You Will Learn
- Gain confidence in using art to communicate scientific observations and discoveries
- Become competent in microscopy, marine algae and plankton identification, and fish dissection techniques
- Acquire basic tools for developing non-traditional science communication products
- Learn about the Grinnell System of note-taking for field observation
- Discover how to extract pigments from natural products to create paint
- Produce science-based artworks that resonate with viewers