Margo Klass and Annie Caulfield work on finalizing a botanical book.
At the conclusion of the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) Institute July 13 at West Valley High School, instructor Jan Dawe told the participants they had set a new gold standard for art and science education. "There is a lot of life to come after STEAM," Dawe said.
SNRAS Dean Carol Lewis said, "I can't wait to see this go into the classroom and have the students see how exciting science can be."
The 19 teachers attending the workshop produced botanical books highlighting 25 species of the boreal forest. They balanced time in the forest near UAF with classroom instruction and homework.
Mareca Guthrie, curator of fine arts for the UA Museum, said, "It's been so much fun. We've all had to work in areas that weren't our strengths. We found a great deal of growth and encouragement. It exceeded my expectations."
Zachary Meyers, who assisted with the workshop, said attendees was so enthusiastic and supportive. "Everyone is proud of the book," he said. "It makes teh whole week come to a nice finale."
Karen Stomberg, art educator for the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, said the workshop was rejuvenating for her. "There was so much collaboration and I learned so much in such a shot period of time. It has been the most amazing week."
Middle school teacher Chris Pastro told the "graduates" that the magic will be in what they do with what they learned during the workshop. She hopes to hear from all the teachers and see how they incorporate their new knowledge into the classroom.
Artist and instructor Margo Klass said, 'This is a concrete example of what a community of learning can do."
STEAM was a collaborative effort by SNRAS, UAF Summer Sessions, FNSB School District, OneTree and Boreal House.
Inside the botanical book.
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| STEAM instructors were (from left) Chris Pastro, Jan Dawe, Margo Klass, Karen Stomberg, Mareca Guthrie and Zachary Meyers. |
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| STEAM participants show off their certificates on July 13. |
Further reading:
Teachers trek to the forest to study plant life, SNRAS Science & News, July 9, 2012
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