Cool Science offers online learning for adults, art contest for kids
LAWRENCE — Cool Science, a National Science Foundation-funded program that integrates science and art to promote understanding of extreme weather events, returns again in 2021 with remote programming for children and adults in Kansas, Missouri and Massachusetts.
Opportunities include an art competition, workshops for adult mentors, virtual celebrations and winning artwork displays on public buses.
"I think it is fantastic how the Cool Science program engages not just children, but also adults who work with children, giving these adults the tools they need to integrate art and science in classrooms and informal settings," said Claudia Bode, education director for the Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis at KU.
Bode leads the Cool Science program with principal investigator Steven Schrock, professor of transportation engineering. They collaborate on this effort with Jill Hendrickson Lohmeier, associate professor of education at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell; Robert Chen, professor of oceanography and interim dean of the University of Massachusetts Boston’s School for the Environment; Lois Hetland, professor of art education at Massachusetts College of Art and Design, and Stephen Mishol, associate professor of art at U-Mass-Lowell.
3-4:30 p.m. June 7, 9, 11, 22, 23, 24
Adults who work with K-12 youths in Kansas, Missouri and Massachusetts can apply to participate in free online workshops to learn how to integrate art and weather science.
Workshop participants receive art supplies and other resources to support youths engaged in the art competition. Participants who complete these training activities — and mentor children who participate in the competition — can also earn up to $200.
The workshops are open to any adults — scout leaders, teachers, informal educators and parents — who work with at least 10 youths. Space is limited. Learn more online.
Submission deadline Dec. 10
This annual art competition is for K-12 youths. Children choose one of three challenge questions to serve as the basis of their artwork. For example, they might artistically represent how severe storms form or how to keep cool in sweltering heatwaves. Winners receive cash prizes and the opportunity to have their work featured on their state’s public transportation. Learn more online.
Cool Science will livestream their art exhibition celebrations to acknowledge the honorees from the 2020 Cool Science art competition. Youths from 60 different schools and 62 different hometowns in Kansas, Missouri and Massachusetts submitted a total of 274 total pieces of artwork. Each event will feature art and science guest speakers.
Kansas City Virtual Celebration
7-8 p.m. June 9
Guest speakers: Kenton Gewecke with KOMU-TV, University of Missouri, and Jill Pelto, climate change artist and scientist.
Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts, Virtual Celebration
5:30-6:30 p.m. June 16
Guest speakers: David Rahn, associate professor of geography & atmospheric science at KU, and Jill Pelto, climate change artist and scientist
Topeka Virtual Celebration
7-8 p.m. June 16
Guest speakers: David Rahn, associate professor of geography & atmospheric science at KU, and Jill Pelto, climate change artist and scientist
Worcestor, Massachusetts, Virtual Celebration
5:30-6:30 p.m. June 23
Guest speakers: Kenton Gewecke with KOMU-TV, University of Missouri, and Jill Pelto, climate change artist and scientist
Learn more at Cool Science.
Cool Science offers a variety of learning opportunities on its website. Training videos and lesson materials are coming soon as well for anyone to access.
NSF funds Cool as part of the “Advancing Informal STEM Learning” (AISL) initiative.