Current Project: LIFE! Drawing

Project Description

LIFE! drawing

A project to support teachers in helping children and young people make sense of their physical existence on a fragile planet.

This project explores the role of drawing in helping children to better understand the concepts involved in biomedical science. It is about drawing to learn - not learning to draw! Imagination is as important as observation and there are no technical rules to follow.

We have found that the playful nature of mark-making makes the exploration of complex ideas less threatening for children than traditional text-based learning and develops children’s confidence in speaking and listening. The drawing process helps children to explore their own understanding of scientific ideas in a way that suits them. By drawing together they can share their understanding of science and develop confidence in asking questions. They also develop the confidence to take risks and make mistakes – essential characteristics of the good learner.

AWE and Warwickshire’s Educational Development Service will be working closely with the science and art departments of three Warwickshire secondary schools. The part of the project that directly involves the children will take place over the autumn and spring terms 2008/09. In order for that to be successful there will be a period of careful preparation with the teachers involved. The art teachers in the schools will act as consultants to the science departments, sharing ideas on developing the drawing approaches that work best in enhancing children’s learning in science. In the summer term 2009 we will evaluate and celebrate the outcomes of the project.

Project Aim:
• To improve the engagement and achievement of children and young people in science

Project Objectives:
• To develop an approach to teaching science that supports understanding of the concepts associated with biomedical science

• To extend the repertoire of skills amongst science teachers

• To enhance partnership working between science and art teachers

• To encourage and promote partnerships between schools, scientists and artists

This work has been made possible by funding from the Wellcome Trust, achieved through a close collaboration between Warwickshire’s Educational Development Service and Arts in Warwickshire Education.

Funders and Partners