Marisa A. Ferrarese
The unit is categorized into six sections, addressing the nervous system and the five senses. Each section will be introduced with an array of illustrations that will consist of scientific diagrams, artistic representations, and technological views. These pictorial representations will serve as a map guiding through each lesson. At the conclusion of each section scientific connections, art connections, and students art connections may be listed. The scientific connections contain a list of applicable websites that can be used to teach and enhance the lesson. The art connections hold an array of media styles depicting different representation of the nervous and sensory system. The student art connections list a corresponding art activity to be created by the students for the scrapbook.
Students will learn the parts of the brain that are affected by each sense and create a colorful depiction of what they have learned. Through the visual representations, as well as creating their own illustrations, students will learn the five senses, the structure and function of each corresponding organ, the senses connection to the brain, and how this information connects to technology and art in the real world.
There is an immanent connection between visual art and our senses. In order to view art or discover scientific concepts one needs to unlock these senses. It has been said that, "Art as well as science provides a fundamental lens of understanding through which we can view and interpret the world in which we live."
5
Through this as educators we must provide the obvious connection for children to ensure success. The proposed curriculum will allow me to create a fifth grade unit that will specifically meet the needs of both the school system's standards and the student's interests. Students will not only learn about the structure and function of the five senses, but also about viewing and creating art.