Art Teachers in the West Windsor-Plainsboro school district participated in the first ever Innovation Fair on Saturday May 13th. Teachers, students and organizations were invited to participate in this event to showcase innovation in design and technology.
Art teachers Diane Lufrano, Amy Picco and Gaby Rivero designed a wood structure that participants of the fair could contribute to onsite. They used STEAM-An acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering Art and Math, to create an exciting, interactive experience. The science of collaborating with others fit perfectly with the technology of having laptops convey the directions and methods used to build the structure. Using engineering skills to balance and keep it steady was aligned with the math used to create precise measurements so that it would fit together properly. Most importantly, the teachers wanted a sculpture that looked aesthetically pleasing to the eye. “The point of the STEAM movement is to create educational models that demonstrate the flexible thinking, risk taking and creative problem solving needed to compete in our global society. The design process is crucial to the finished product and how it connects visually with people.” said Mrs. Lufrano . In fact Mrs. Picco discovered this when working through the design process of the structure. “I made the first one a smaller series of dowels in triangular form. Then I realized that it was too small and visually unappealing so I constructed a taller version which worked out perfectly! The acronym STEM that most people are using right now is not accurate. It does not reflect the creative and aesthetic side to a project. We think it’s important that the art component gets exposure as it’s the first thing people see when they look at any object. “she said. The three art teachers were very excited about the finished result. Miss Rivero stated,” It was a very good example of collaborating with people from all walks of life to work towards a common goal.”
Grover Middle School's Jagazine 