In this week's application, we were asked to explore an online tool that could boost student’s interest in science. The topic I chose to explore was new ways of looking into the electromagnetic spectrum. I found a great website by The Smithsonian http://americanart.si.edu/education/pdf/Conservation_Electromagnetism_Lesson.pdf
What I liked most about this lesson is that it allows students to explore practical uses of the electromagnetic spectrum in a less traditional way. I have only taught the electromagnetic spectrum and its uses in the scientific realm in the past, but this lesson looks at how it is used in the process of art conservation; something I had never considered before. Students will look at how X-rays are used by art conservationist to look at possible cracks in sculptures that can't be seen by the naked eye. They explore how UV radiation can be used to identify the material in the artwork, and Infrared radiation is used to determine if there are any underdrawings under the painting we can see with visible light.
Students are presented with 3 different pieces of artwork, and their potential flaws, and must determine which type of electromagnetic spectrum wave should be applied. They will then see before & after pictures to really see the significance these tools have.
Because we are so lucky to live outside of NYC, we take our middle school students on a trip to The Metropolitan Museum each year. Our principal has asked us to find a lesson that would relate to the field trip, and is the past I've struggled to find a connection between science & The Met. Now I can teach this lesson prior to our field trip and tie the two together. The only challenge I might face with this lesson is some extra prep work on my part. I would need to find out, before our trip, if there are any paintings or sculptures that the Met might have used such applications on so that I could inform my students of this before we go.
Marnie,
ReplyDeleteAWESOME...I love this lesson. We also do a trip to the Art Institute in Chicago. What a great way to tie in the sciences and art. I am stealing this from you.
This is such a great lesson that supports the use of technology and problem solving. Students will be engaged not only because it sounds fun, but because this is a real world application. I bet this will spark the curiosity of many students that are not that interested in science or math but that love the fine arts.