Excerpts

INTRODUCTION ScienceArts provides children with an exciting opportunity to learn basic science concepts through art experiences. Children ages three through ten can explore the handson activities in each ScienceArts experiment. While exploring with art materials, children also experience basic science concepts. Children explore, manipulate, and discover art and science as an intertwined process rather than a final product. Thus the product becomes an outcome of experimenting and experiencing, rather than the sole reason for the activity. The pure joy of discovery and taking an active part in learning is the main objective of ScienceArts. ScienceArts appeals to the combination of the curiosity of science and the beauty of art. Each art activity has a science concept inherent in its process. Science experiments many times are filled with interesting and amazing reactions, effects, and results. Thus, children are not only captured with the beauty and fun of the creation, but may also be fascinated and surprised with the scientific components. Each page of ScienceArts contains one recipe style experiment which includes simple instructions, clear illustrations, and suggestions for variations or extensions to enhance learning. Each is designed to be used by an individual child or by small groups of children usually independently and sometimes with minimal adult help. Materials needed for each experiment are commonly found in most homes or classrooms making ScienceArts ideal for home or school use. ScienceArts is simple to use. Each page contains a variety of information to assist the reader in selecting an appropriate experiment. Icons on each page include age guidelines, materials needed, seasonal suggestions, help needed, and authors' favorites. Variations are included to extend the activity for new and enriching experiments. Explanations of science concepts are also included to assist both children and adults in understanding the connection between art and science. Also included is a detailed Chart of Contents to assist in selecting appropriate projects for specific needs and a Concept Index with explanations of new words and scientific vocabulary. Two additional indexes provide a helpful way to find experiments by materials on hand or by alphabetical listings. A detailed list of resource books is included for those who wish to augment experiences in ScienceArts. Every child loves to explore, experiment, and discover. ScienceArts builds on the natural curiosity of each child while combining the beauty of art and the fascination of science. Even those with a limited understanding of science will feel comfortable with the activities in ScienceArts as they are delivered through the familiar forum of process art. Discover the beauty, the magic, the amazement, and the satisfaction of creating and experiencing science through art and art through science. Excerpted from Science Arts: Discovering Science Through Art Experiences by MaryAnn F. Kohl, Jean Potter All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.