| Abstract Scope |
A novel, interdisciplinary, highly accessible program that combines physical science’s common characterization techniques and industry tools with art and science communication will be introduced. The program was designed to 1) engage students of all levels with high-tech tools and techniques used for characterizing materials and 2) build students’ science communication skills by connecting them to visual aesthetics. Implementation of the Total Experience Learning instructional and learning model was utilized throughout this project. Examples of lessons and in-class activities include the use of a virtual Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to explore materials such as glass and ceramics. Students learned the science behind the technique and then applied visual art techniques to acquire aesthetically pleasing images which were then used to communicate their results to a variety of selected audiences. The selected audience ranged from someone in their field, to elementary school students to a popular science article. Students developed important skills in science communication, education, and near-peer and reciprocal mentoring. Additionally, this course was built to be financially accessible to students from any school. Student outcomes and assessment, teacher training strategies, workforce development in glass/ceramics and reciprocal mentoring will be discussed. |