Colour and light: a drop of science
In this cross-curriculum
project (Science and Art), students from two schools come together
to study the science of colour and light. They look at the colour
and luminescence of minerals and crystals and by using
natural pigments they produce work that shows that a pigment can
change the colour of light it reflects as the result of selective
colour absorption. They explore the physics of colour in a mobile
vehicle, where students are saturated in pure colour to experience
how it affects your body and emotions. Students learn about light
as an energy source by creating solar powered vehicles and use the
science of paper chromatography to identify polluted water. Using
everyday materials the students make handheld pin-hole cameras,
while the whole science lab is made into a giant camera
obscurer.
They study the chemical
composition of fireworks and make their own fireworks to capture
the explosion in sculptural form. The whole project culminates in
an exhibition and performance of light and colour of which the
students have complete ownership and directorial control. The
cross-curriculum dimensions explored in this project are Identity
and Cultural Diversity; Technology and the Media; Creativity and
Critical Thinking.
The value of this work carried out as a linking project, has been
the subtle exploration of personal and collective identities,
through the shared intensity of the work. Careful planning by the
teachers ensures that team-building activities and a range of
additional reflective learning experiences are included in the
cumulative process throughout the year.