The luminous science project began by the creation of a 9-foot prototype lantern and a hydroponic garden. The scientist-artist explored the familiar and flexible craft materials used in Nebuta style lanterns, but combined it with networked sensors in the garden to create dynamic illuminations of biochemical phenomena in the plants, such as photosynthesis and transpiration.
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We have built luminous science lanterns in workshops with families and teachers, as well as implemented the project across middle and high school classrooms spanning art, computation, and science disciplinary classes. Through these projects we have developed a set of resources for teachers, students, and parents who want to get started making their own luminous science representations.
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In collaboration with graduate level scientists at the University of Colorado Boulder we are exploring how new representations, including luminous science lanterns, can be used to teach, communicate, and discuss scientific phenomena. Through this collaboration we examine the affordances and challenges of making and using non-traditional representations in the sciences.
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