Holotype field trip pilot

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Blog entry by Danielle Follett Chard, The Leonardo's intern.

The Leonardo's education team has been busy writing lesson plans and planning activities to prepare for field trips we'll be offering schools in the fall. A few weeks ago the team did a test run of a field trip with middle-school students who visited The Leonardo's large-scale art installation about algae, Holotype by Amy Caron. Holotype, one exhibit that will be in The Leonardo when we open, is a two-story conceptual art installation that encourages visitors to see themselves as part of a larger ecosystem in which algae plays a crucial role. The Leo's education team immersed these students in the fascinating world of algae to talk about the oxygen we breathe, the food we eat, the materials we use, and future energy possibilities.

Students enjoying their gooey, slimey algae creations. Photos by Kersten Swinyard.

Our team gave the students hands-on instruction about algae with our larger-than-life microscope, a room filled with enormous projections of algae, where they experimented with water, light, and warped plastic to explore organic textures and patterns. Students created gooey polymers similar to our gummy candies (which also contain algae!), and explored Caron's piece. Finally, students used their new knowledge to brainstorm their own world-changing invention that utilizes algae's amazing properties.

Students in Holotype, an installation for The Leonardo by Amy Caron.

Overall, the entire experience was a success for the education team and students alike. When one student was offered some of the gooey polymer as a keepsake she replied, "I don't need a souvenir. I'll remember this my whole life."

The education team is already processing the lessons learned during this pilot into preparations for future field trips. This and other pilot programs give us a chance to evaluate, change, and improve before we even officially open our doors.

Become a fan of The Leonardo on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!

Labels: art, education, exhibits, Leo, pilots, science

Posted by The Leonardo at 4/13/2011 08:12:00 AM 1 comments