Exploring organismal biology through art: bringing unfamiliar organisms to life through sculpture
Location
CoLab, OCB 100
Start Date
27-4-2018 10:30 AM
Document Type
Poster
Description
Three-dimensional models are often used to facilitate active learning in courses focusing on organismal biology. Sculpted models make the microscopic visible to the naked eye and lend permanence to otherwise-ephemeral or inaccessible specimens. However, commercial models are extremely expensive, costing hundreds or thousands of dollars. Furthermore, the selection of particular organisms available as models is limited to commonly used species. The goal of this project was to provide additional 3D models of organisms studied in courses offered in JCCC’s Organismal Biology Program (BIOL 125: General Botany, BIOL 127: General Zoology, and BIOL 150: Biology of Organisms). In addition, through the sculpting of these models, I was personally able to explore in more depth the organisms’ anatomy, life cycles, evolution, and ecology, building on concepts learned in Biology of Organisms. Candidate specimens were evaluated and selected using criteria that included complexity/feasibility and opportunity to introduce viewers/students to unusual, uncommon, or under-appreciated organisms. Two to four target organisms were identified with some organisms including multiple representations or components. The organisms were sculpted with Hearty Air-dry Clay and individually painted using Liquitex Acrylic Paint and then mounted to a board. A short accompanying biography describing basic biology was written for each specimen.
Image
Exploring organismal biology through art: bringing unfamiliar organisms to life through sculpture
CoLab, OCB 100
Three-dimensional models are often used to facilitate active learning in courses focusing on organismal biology. Sculpted models make the microscopic visible to the naked eye and lend permanence to otherwise-ephemeral or inaccessible specimens. However, commercial models are extremely expensive, costing hundreds or thousands of dollars. Furthermore, the selection of particular organisms available as models is limited to commonly used species. The goal of this project was to provide additional 3D models of organisms studied in courses offered in JCCC’s Organismal Biology Program (BIOL 125: General Botany, BIOL 127: General Zoology, and BIOL 150: Biology of Organisms). In addition, through the sculpting of these models, I was personally able to explore in more depth the organisms’ anatomy, life cycles, evolution, and ecology, building on concepts learned in Biology of Organisms. Candidate specimens were evaluated and selected using criteria that included complexity/feasibility and opportunity to introduce viewers/students to unusual, uncommon, or under-appreciated organisms. Two to four target organisms were identified with some organisms including multiple representations or components. The organisms were sculpted with Hearty Air-dry Clay and individually painted using Liquitex Acrylic Paint and then mounted to a board. A short accompanying biography describing basic biology was written for each specimen.
Comments
The faculty supervisor for this project was Nancy Holcroft, Biology.