The Reading Room: Story Lessons That Combine Art With Science

In this ongoing class, students will be introduced to a new book each week.  The class begins with a captivating read-aloud and interactive book discussion.  The lesson will tie in a science-themed standard to the story and students will be given a hands-on project to complete that combines reading, art, and science.  Each class is delivered with a well-prepared and animated PowerPoint.  Learners have lots of opportunities to use the microphone and chat during the book discussions. Discussions are crafted with the goal of developing higher-level thinking to help learners make cross-circular connections. No prior knowledge is needed. Resources such as PDFs, video links, and step-by-step instructions will be uploaded after each class. 
By connecting these short stories to science and art themes, students can engage with the stories in a fun and interactive way while also learning about important concepts and skills.

Order of Book readings 

April
Week 1 /April 10th  Theme: "The Beauty of Nature: Exploring the Science and Art of Flowers
"Miss. Rumphius" by Barbara Cooney.  Alice Rumphius sets out to make the world a more beautiful place by spreading lupine seeds everywhere she goes.
Project: Pressed Flower Art - Students will collect flowers and other plant materials, press them, and create unique pieces of art using the different shapes and colors of the plants.
Theme: "The Beauty of Nature: Exploring the Science and Art of Flowers" - In this theme, we will learn about the scientific significance of flowers and explore the different ways in which they have inspired artists throughout history. We'll use flowers to create unique art pieces and investigate the role of plants in our natural world.

Week 2 /April 17 Theme: "The Beauty and Complexity of Trees: An Exploration of Science and Art"
"The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein. A tree gives everything it has to a boy it loves, and the boy learns the value of selflessness and appreciation for nature.
Project: Leaf Art - Students will collect different types of leaves, study their anatomy and adaptations, and create unique art pieces inspired by the different shapes, colors, and textures of the leaves.
Theme: "The Beauty and Complexity of Trees: An Exploration of Science and Art" - In this theme, we will learn about the important role that trees play in our natural world, as well as the artistic inspiration they provide. We'll study anatomy and adaptations of trees and their leaves, and create unique art pieces that represent the beauty and complexity of trees
Gardening - Week of April 24th: A Little More Beautiful by Sarah Mackenzie

Week 3 /April 24 Theme: "Exploring Our Senses: The Intersection of Science and Art" 
 "Last Stop on Market Street" by Matt De La Pena. A boy and his grandma take a bus ride and learn about gratitude and finding beauty in unexpected places.
Project: Sound Mapping - Students will create a sound map of their neighborhood, using different colors and symbols to represent the different sounds they hear, and then create a visual art piece inspired by their map.
Theme: "Exploring Our Senses: The Intersection of Science and Art" - In this theme, we will learn about the five senses and how they allow us to experience the world around us. We'll focus on the sense of hearing, and explore the different sounds we hear in our environment. Using sound mapping, we'll create an art piece that represents the sounds we hear, and investigate the role of sound in our daily lives.

MAY
Week 4/ May 1 Theme: "Nature's Transformations: The Science and Art of Metamorphosis" 
"The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle -A caterpillar eats its way through different foods and transforms into a beautiful butterfly.
 Project: Butterfly Life Cycle Art - Students will learn about the different stages of the butterfly life cycle, and create art pieces that represent each stage, using a variety of materials.
Theme: "Nature's Transformations: The Science and Art of Metamorphosis" - In this theme, we will learn about the concept of metamorphosis, and how different organisms undergo changes throughout their lives. Using butterflies as a case study, we'll investigate the different stages of their life cycle, and create art pieces that represent the beauty and complexity of nature's transformations.

Week 6 /May 8 Theme: "The Importance of Environmental Stewardship: The Intersection of Science and Art"
"The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss - The Once-ler learns the consequences of his actions as he destroys the environment and the Lorax tries to protect the trees.
Project: Truffula Tree Art - Students will learn about the ecology and biology of trees, and create art pieces inspired by the colorful, whimsical truffula trees in the story.
Theme: "The Importance of Environmental Stewardship: The Intersection of Science and Art" - In this theme, we will learn about the ways in which human activities impact the natural world, and explore the concept of environmental stewardship. Using "The Lorax" as a guide, we'll investigate the ecology and biology of trees, and create art pieces that inspire a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world.

Week 7/ May 15 Theme: "The Science and Art of Building: Exploring Structural Engineering and Architecture" 
"The Three Little Pigs" - Three little pigs build houses out of different materials and learn the value of hard work and perseverance.
Project: Structural Engineering Art - Students will learn about the principles of structural engineering, and create art pieces that represent the different types of structures the pigs built in the story.
Theme: "The Science and Art of Building: Exploring Structural Engineering and Architecture" - In this theme, we will learn about the principles of structural engineering and architecture, and how they have shaped the built environment around us. Using "The Three Little Pigs" as a guide, we'll investigate the different types of structures the pigs built, and create art pieces that represent the beauty and complexity of the built environment.

Week 8/ May 22 Theme: "The Wonders of Plant Life: An Exploration of Science and Art"
"The Magic School Bus Gets Planted" by Joanna Cole is a story that teaches children about the process of photosynthesis, and how plants grow and survive.
Project: Plant Life Cycle Art - Students will learn about the different stages of plant growth, and create art pieces that represent each stage, using a variety of materials. Students can plant their own seeds and learn about photosynthesis, the process by which plants use sunlight to create energy.
Theme: "The Wonders of Plant Life: An Exploration of Science and Art" - In this theme, we will learn about the importance of plants in our natural world, and how they have shaped human history and culture. Using "The Magic School Bus Gets Planted" as a guide, we'll investigate the different stages of plant growth, and create art pieces that represent the beauty and complexity of plant life.

Week 9 /May 29 Theme: "The Diversity of Life: Exploring Animal Habitats through Science and Art" -
"Curious George Takes a Job" by H.A. and Margaret Rey is a story about Curious George getting a job at a chocolate factory and learning about the importance of following instructions.
 Project: Animal Habitat Art - Students will learn about different animal habitats and ecosystems, and create art pieces that represent the animals that live there, using a variety of materials. Students can create their own drawings or artwork of different community helpers, such as firefighters, police officers, and doctors, and discuss the important role they play in our communities.
Theme: "The Diversity of Life: Exploring Animal Habitats through Science and Art" - In this theme, we will learn about the different types of animal habitats and ecosystems, and the unique animals that live there. Using "Curious George Gets a Job" as a guide, we'll investigate the diversity of life on Earth, and create art pieces that represent the beauty and complexity of animal habitats. 

JUNE

Week 10 /June 5 Theme: "The Marvels of Adaptation: Exploring Animal Diversity through Science and Art"
"The Mixed-Up Chameleon" by Eric Carle - a story about a chameleon that learns about animal adaptations and the beauty of being oneself through art.
Project: Animal Adaptations Art - Students will learn about the different ways that animals have adapted to their environments, and create art pieces that represent these adaptations, using a variety of materials.
Theme: "The Marvels of Adaptation: Exploring Animal Diversity through Science and Art" - In this theme, we will learn about the incredible ways that animals have adapted to their environments and the unique features that make each species so special. Using "The Mixed-Up Chameleon" as a guide, we'll investigate the different types of animal adaptations, and create art pieces that represent the beauty and complexity of animal diversity.

Week 11 /June 12th Theme: "The Miracles of Life: Exploring the Growth and Diversity of Plants through Science and Art" 
"The Tiny Seed" by Eric Carle - a story about the life cycle of plants, and the beauty of nature as seen through art.
Project: Plant Growth Art - Students will learn about the different stages of plant growth, and create art pieces that represent each stage, using a variety of materials.
Theme: "The Miracles of Life: Exploring the Growth and Diversity of Plants through Science and Art" - In this theme, we will learn about the importance of plants in our natural world, and how they have shaped human history and culture. Using "The Tiny Seed" as a guide, we'll investigate the different stages of plant growth, and create art pieces that represent the beauty and complexity of plant life.

Week 12/ June 19 Theme: "The Power of Imagination: Exploring Creativity and Engineering through Science and Art" 
"Not a Box" by Antoinette Portis - a story about imagination and creative thinking, which can help children develop their artistic and scientific skills.
Project: Engineering Design Challenge - Students will use their creativity and problem-solving skills to design and build a structure using cardboard, inspired by the imaginative world of "Not A Box".
Theme: "The Power of Imagination: Exploring Creativity and Engineering through Science and Art" - In this theme, we will learn about the importance of imagination and creativity in both the arts and sciences. Using "Not A Box" as a guide, we'll explore the world of engineering and design, and challenge ourselves to think outside the box and create something truly unique.

Week 13/ June 26th Theme: "The Wonders of Nature: Exploring the Life Cycle of Butterflies through Science and Art" 
"A Butterfly is Patient" by Dianna Hutts Aston - is a story that introduces children to the fascinating world of butterflies and encourages them to explore nature through art.
Project: Butterfly Life Cycle Art - Students will learn about the different stages of a butterfly's life cycle, and create art pieces that represent each stage, using a variety of materials. Students will create mixed media artwork that represents the different stages of a butterfly's life cycle, incorporating scientific illustrations, photographs, and creative elements.
Theme: "The Wonders of Nature: Exploring the Life Cycle of Butterflies through Science and Art" - In this theme, we will learn about the fascinating transformation that butterflies go through during their life cycle, and the important role they play in our ecosystem

JULY
Week 13 /July 3rd   Theme: "The Wonders of the Universe: Exploring the Mysteries of the Night Sky through Science and Art"  
"How to Catch a Star" by Oliver Jeffers - a story about a boy who learns about the science of stars and the beauty of the universe, and creates his own artistic interpretation.
Project: Constellation Art - Students will learn about the stars and constellations in the night sky, and create art pieces that represent their favorite constellation using a variety of materials.
Theme: "The Wonders of the Universe: Exploring the Mysteries of the Night Sky through Science and Art" - In this theme, we will learn about the beauty and complexity of our universe, and the mysteries that still remain to be explored. Using "How to Catch a Star" as a guide, we'll investigate the stars and constellations in the night sky, and create art pieces that represent the awe-inspiring beauty of our universe.