MYSCI MOBILE SCIENCE EXPERIENCE

I was part of an incredible collaboration while teaching at Washington University in St. Louis. Under the auspices of the Visual Communication Research Studio (VCRS) — a 3-year initiative funded by a grant from the Kauffman Foundation — we were hired by Monsanto to help develop and design a mobile science education program targeted to underserved public schools: naming, branding, curriculum and exhibits were all part of our scope. The introduction of a major science education initiative at the elementary school level in St. Louis was timely. While innovation, technology, and science are playing increasingly significant roles in research and economic development globally, science education in the United States struggles to keep pace. This project presented the opportunity to build an educational experience that inspires young students and supports established learning goals based on Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education guidelines. The opportunity to publicize the importance of an active science education for lifelong learning to an audience beyond students — teachers, parents, and the general public — was a motivating factor for our team.

with DB Dowd; Heather Corcoran; Frank Oros; Enrique Von Rohr; Sarah Phares

Extensive research included everything from understanding the spectrum of child development to Missouri state elementary education guidelines.

More than 80 illustrations were created by a team of students and professors in 4 stages: sketches, silhouette, 2-color and 4-color. This process allowed for seamless application across a variety of media and specific grade levels, i.e. silhouettes for younger students and more detailed illustrations for older students.

The identity system utilized the illustrations and bright color palette as much as possible, distinguishing the science program as a unique visual learning experience.

A series of curriculum books were written, designed and produced by another team of students and professors along with elementary ed teachers, scientists and botanists. The books were separated into 2 grade levels: kindergarten and first/second. The subject matter was color coded: green for plants and orange for animals/insects. Specific detail was given to the writing and the how the information was visualized.

The mobile unit was designed and developed by a third team of students and professors. Careful consideration was given to furniture and fixtures in respect to educational purpose, safety and maintenance (soft edges, non-slip surfaces, hardware access, etc.)

Almost every wall and surface of the mobile unit is utilized as a learning and interactive opportunity, i.e. a slatted wall can easily be turned into 3 different biomes.

Magnetic facades allow for a variety of animals and plants to be placed on each biome, prompting discussion and playful interaction.

Even furniture is made to simulate native tree species so students can touch, compare and contrast.

Missouri is home to over 6,000 caves so it was essential that we reconstruct a natural cave so students could climb on, seek and find plants and animals that live in these natural habitats.

Utilizing technology was not part of our initial scope, but we did prototype a few examples of how teachers could leverage learning opportunities beyond the mobile unit. We also created sounds for three distinct biomes. Click on the link below to hear the sounds of the Prairie.