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Periodicity to Picasso: Material Science through Art
Before there were any true scientists, people created items of utility and beauty from the materials around them. In modern academics we separate science and art from each other as if history and experience did not inextricably connect them. We even suggest subtly to students that being good in one area implies less ability in the other. In the curriculum that I developed using a Toyota Tapestry grant, the material sciences are investigated using art projects as the main experimental vehicles. This online version of the course suggests activities, labs and resources for conducting a class in material science in this manner. Materials science and engineering is an important field of endeavor. Many emerging technologies require new and unique materials in order to work properly. Specialization in this area is also an opportunity for a rewarding career. As teachers we should make every effort to expose students to important potential career areas. Using their interest in art as a springboard to the study of material science allows us to involve students who might otherwise be discouraged from taking a strict "science" course. |
