This semester Sheila Taylor and I collaborated to enhance student learning between anatomy and advanced art students. We began by grouping students, making sure both classes were represented in each set. On their first meeting students were given their learning objectives as well as time to plan and coordinate. The purpose of the PBL was to anatomically illustrate form and function of one or more systems and indicate a disease of that system, but most groups chose to go way beyond that. Our second meeting together took place during a field trip to the Bodies Exhibit in Atlantic Station. Although students could not take pictures they were allowed to sketch. Over the next few weeks the 180 participating students collaborated as time allowed and often worked after school in open studio. The project culminated in a fashion show on Nov 17th in our theater. Students had a little over an hour to prepare their model, music, and final touches to their presentations. The day could not have gone smoother. Students helped each other both in their groups and in other groups, worked diligently, and cleaned up in record time. In the theaters all the presenters waited back stage while group members and visiting classes waited. Every three minutes we were greeted with an illustrated model(s) as well as a speaker. We had dancers, glow in the dark paint, neon and black lights, and athletic poses, just to name a few of the unique approaches to this project. Overall the project was a huge success! We had great student responses about the challenges of working in groups, managing time, and limited resources. As an art teacher I was super proud of the way everyone came together so smoothly and the amount of talent I see every day.
-Kim Piercy Pebblebrook HS
