For the week of April 4-8, many students will begin their research project, others will be introduced to it and begin in a week or so. As is my tradition, students will finish up their courses by becoming an expert on a piece of art they choose. This year, students may complete the traditional research paper (Full research, 4 sources, citations, typed, single spaced, 10 pt Times font, etc) to present their findings, or they may create and produce a podcast instead. Using the flipcams in the art room, and the iMovie software in the Mac lab, students can compile their research , along with some fun, into an informational podcast about their work of art. Again, students may choose to complete either a paper or a podcast to present the results of their research. They will have approximately 3 weeks to complete the research, writing, and production of their projects.
Ceramics classes are making a "Clay Postcard" this week. After choosing a "postcard" type scene of a place they enjoy or find beautiful, students will recreate the scene in bas relief on a tile, or as a "clay postcard." They will complete a paper or podcast as well for their final project!
For the week of March 28- April 1, students engaged in some thoughtful and enlightening seminars during class. After watching 2 different TEDtalks from Sir Ken Robinson on schools and creativity (links here and here), students discussed their own experiences in public education and feelings about creativity. Students also discussed the ideas Daniel Pink suggests in his book, A Whole New Mind, after watching an interview with him. Students were challenged to examine the purpose of our educational system, their role in their educations, and to question the ideas they have about creativity and intelligence. We all learned quite a bit, and have a lot of food for thought after this week!