A Science-Art-Computation Nexus
Traditionally we hold disciplines apart from one another; in art class you learn about art, in science you learn about science - usually one particular type. However we imagine an approach that integrates traditionally distinct topics, such as art, biology, and computer science. We explore how connecting the disciplines can enhance each of the subjects beyond what they would be individually, creating spaces where broader ways of thinking and learning are valued. The luminous science project is an exploration of interdisciplinary projects where art and technology are used to create new representations of scientific phenomena. For this specific project, we use a traditional form of Japanese lantern making, Nebuta, and create dynamic illuminations in the lantern that are indicators of biological, chemical, and/or physical phenomena of that system. After building a prototype of this project, we have been exploring new scientific representations through collaborations with students and teachers in and out of classrooms from elementary to high school aged students, as well as through projects with graduate level scientists.
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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This project is supported by a gift from Oracle Corporation.
The Laboratory for Playful Computation is part of the ATLAS Institute at the University of Colorado Boulder.
