STEAM & Arts Integration Conference

Just a few more weeks until the upcoming STEAM and
Arts Online Pre-Conference and Conference! 

I will be presenting in both parts so be sure to look for my presentations.
If you were at the FAEA conference a few months and weren't able to get into to my workshops here is your second chance.

Check out what I'll be presenting...

Pre-Conference

Poetry: Painting Pictures with Words

This workshop demonstration shows how easy it is to incorporate Common Core Standards into your art room in an effort to support your fellow teachers and enrich your student's depth of knowledge. Marzano's teaching methods are incorporated seamlessly and efficiently. The Learning Goal for this lesson is, "I will be able to compare the similarities and differences between the Elements of Poetry and the Elements of Art". These connections are then used to create a design that successfully integrates elements from each of these subjects. Tap into your creativity as you paint pictures with words, and leave confident and inspired to bring a little "Core" into your core subject!

Conference

Hiding the Veggies in the Art Room

How “hiding the veggies in the art room” keeps student minds healthy and strong in the academic world. Interested in STEAM but not quite sure how to incorporate it into your classroom? Trying to find a way to mix in relevant art history into these types of lessons? Do you want to see real life classroom success stories? Then I’ve got what you’re looking for, and a little Escher and Dali too. Join me for a session that will help fill your art class with STEAM this year!

During the workshop I discuss integrating science into art lessons by: 
1 - using the scientific method for a mural color challenge (student centered/teachers hands off).
2 - using empirical observations and inferences to interpret works of art

Integrating math into art lessons by:
1 - discussing Escher's tessellations and symmetry
2 - organizing students to solve cognitively complex math challenges related to geometry and other mathematical concepts.

Technology by:
1 - showing how technology on a budget can create amazing works of art. All you need is an iphone, a photo editing app, and a plastic bag!

All of these are taught in conjunction with art history and techniques for a truly integrated and memorable experience for students.

All participants will receive my interactive power point presentations for a full unit of coordinating plans free! You could be done planning for the rest of the year! 

Does it get any better? :-)

Can't wait to hear from all the great presenters! "See" you there.

Education Closet Winter Conference Click Here!

STEM to STEAM Fills me with Pride.

Reflective Teacher Challenge Day 3
What are you most proud of to date in your teaching career?

I absolutely love finding new and inspiring ways of integrating Art into STEM. 

2013.muzartworld.org

Researching standards from multiple subject areas is both fun and challenging. This past weekend I spent countless hours researching space related standards for science in grades k - 6. I have to say I was shocked to see how little we expect these kids to know! Really! Are we living in the stone age?

www.artinsights.com

After thinking and overthinking how I would combine space in science 

www.esa.int

with space in art...

www.pinterest.com

I decided to broaden my learning goals for my students and came up with integrated concepts I am really excited about.

"I will be able to use the elements of art to create a visual representation 

 of my understanding of space."

Of course the understanding part is scaffolded between grade levels according the standards but that's the jest of it. So excited to start this unit! It was a great day today as every class spent the day outside exploring or place in space.

Growth by Pushing Past Fear!

This weekend was our annual FAEA (Florida Arts Educators Association) Conference in Daytona Beach. I have wanted to share my lessons with other teachers to help inspire them to STEAM Ahead with 21st Century Learning but have always found myself held back by fear. Fear of teaching to my peers, fear of the unknown, fear of being judged or criticized.

I faced those fears this weekend when my family made the painstakingly long, 1 hour drive, trip with me from Orlando to Daytona. The week prior I had considered canceling several times and even on the drive over I found myself looking for exits that I could take to turn around.

But by pushing through that fear, I was able to share my cross curricular teaching practices with fellow art educators whose creations are seen in these pictures. 

The mixture of Art and Poetry allowed these educators to be transformed into students who were free to express themselves without fear of judgement. Just as I had been set free to share my lessons without fear of judgement or criticism.

The illustrations and words were woven together to create a singular work of art that expressed the passion educators are usually too busy to take the time to create.

It was a wonderful weekend of collaboration, growth, and expression for presenters and attendees alike, and I am eagerly looking forward to the next chance I have to both inspire and be inspired by more amazing arts educators!!