Science, art, and writing combined in one grant? We love this low-cost grant, which has had a big impact thanks to Sarah Evans, the science teacher at Forrest Bird Charter School. This grant brings together different disciplines and inspires a new way of learning.

“It’s project-based learning, so it’s about integration,” said Ms. Evans. “I’m a science teacher, but I also love art, so I’m excited to bring this into the classroom.”  

Sixth and seventh-grade students study NASA images of dozens of objects in our solar system. They learn to keenly observe features in photographs of planets, moons, comets, and asteroids. They recognize geological features on other celestial objects by comparing them to images of Earth in space.  

Using elements of art (line, shape, contrast, value), they create a drawing inspired by the image using oil or chalk pastels.  

In this video, you can see the grant in action. Notice that the art part is less intimidating to the students because they don’t have to make a replica of their image. They merely need to be inspired by it.  

Once the artwork is complete, they write an artist statement describing how the chosen image inspired them and explaining the geologic features.  

Students learn about techniques, such as how one piece of chalk can deliver different textures and strokes on the paper, how we see what planets look like (by understanding our planet), and how different colors in the planet images represent different minerals.  

They also learn how we get images of the planets via satellites.  

“It’s been a few years since we’ve run this program because we haven’t had the supplies needed,” said Ms. Evans. “It makes a big difference to have the right supplies.”  

PAFE is pleased to fund various grants ranging from higher to lower costs. We don’t do projects simply because we are asked for them. We ensure they have an impact. We love seeing the significant difference small grants can make. 

IMPACT

Eighty students in Forrest Bird Charter School’s sixth and seventh-grade classes will be involved. This project-based learning approach combines science education about celestial objects with artistic expression and written analysis. Students learn to closely observe and analyze geological features in space images and, they create art inspired by these images using oil or chalk pastels, allowing for personal interpretation and expression. The artist statements give them the chance to engage in critical thinking and communication. 

Our teacher grants support Lake Pend Oreille School District educators to bring creative and innovative programs to the classroom. Because they are teacher-led ideas and not mandated by outside parties, they have a far more significant impact on the students. These grants fill gaps in funding with innovative programs to amplify our impact. Your support is crucial in sustaining and expanding these initiatives. If you’d like to be a part of this, you can donate here.