School 2 Sixth Graders study "Ebb and Flow" and "Trace Time"

On March 1st, sixth grade students from School 2 traveled to William Paterson University for a full day of art, science and math.  The day began at the Ben Shahn Art Galleries, where students visited the current exhibitions.  Director of WP University Galleries Kristen Evangelista, pictured below, led the students through the exhibition “Tai Hwa Goh:  Ebb and Flow,” in which New Jersey-based artist Tai Hwa Goh used printmaking and hand-waxing techniques to create “a site-specific installation that resembles landscapes and biological forms.” 

Gallery Manager Emily Johnson, at left, guided the students through the exhibition “Traces of Time:  Photographic Exploration of the Natural World,” which featured the work of four photographers who “utilize scientific research, conduct experimental studies, or embark on expeditions to capture the passage of time through changing landscapes, organic life cycles, or celestial activity.”

Dr. Martin Becker, Professor of Environmental Science, gave a presentation on fossils.  Students heard about, saw, and handled real fossils that had been found on the WP campus. 

  Led by Art PIR Simone Sandler, the students 
then engaged in an activity in which they made their own simulated "fossils" using modeling clay and plaster.  They used the paleontological vocabulary that Dr. Becker had taught, distinguishing between the terms cast and mold.  These terms are also the vocabulary of sculpture.  Below left Ms. Sandler explained to students how to make their fossils.  

 

The picture at the left shows the students' fossils drying; at the right are examples of the finished products.





Professor Michael Wyrwa took the students on a tour of the College of Science and Health’s greenhouse, in which different rooms mimic different ecosystems.  They heard about a beachgrass experiment.  Beachgrass is a stabilizer of sand dunes, and the New Jersey shoreline that suffered damage by Hurricane Sandy might benefit from beachgrass-stabilized dunes.


The students then viewed some of the campus sculptures with Ms. Evangelista, in the process identifying and reviewing math vocabulary and concepts that were used in the creation of the artworks.

After lunch at Ben Shahn, the students walked to Shea Performing Arts Center.  They attended the Midday Artist Series:  Student Recital, which featured performances by WP Music Education students.

Transportation for the trip was provided through WP’s Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation Grant.