Scientific Artful Thinking

GRADES K-12 SCIENCE AND ART

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Lesson Process:

Step 1:  Students view the image of Van Gogh’s Starry Night. Students should complete a See, Think, Wonder Chart about this image.

Step 2: The teacher can then discuss the properties of space, orbit, stars, moon, and earth’s rotation. Have students experiment with these elements through movement.

Step 3:  The teacher will explain that the earth is simply one piece of a much larger galaxy, just as each element in the painting is one element of the whole piece itself.

Step 4:  Students will then be able to re-create one segment of the Van Gogh painting. Measure each section and provide each student with a piece of the painting.

Step 5:  Put each student-created piece back into the overall painting and have students reflect on what connections they can make from this project to the elements of space

Time Required:
30-45 minutes

Materials List:

  • Van Gogh’s Starry Night print
  • See, Think, Wonder Chart
  • Masterpiece Remix Lesson
  • Computer, LCD projector, internet
  • paper, paint, markers

Assessment:

Written Journal.

Students can write about an element from the Starry Night painting and what they observed verses what they wondered about. They can create a story about why Van Gogh included that element and what it contributes to the whole picture.