Biodesign Makerspace

Curriculum Map

Dept. of Teaching + Learning in Art + Design

Lesson Concept	Standard Connections	Structure of Class	Visual References / Precedents
SCIENCE STANDARDS: ESS3C: Sustainability of human societies and the biodiversity that supports them requires responsible management of natural resources, including the development of technologies Science and Engineering Practices — Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information — Communicate scientific and/or technical information or ideas (e.g. about phenomena and/or the process of development and the design and performance of a proposed process or system) in multiple formats (including orally, graphically, textually, and mathematically ART/DESIGN STANDARDS: VA:Re.7.1.ia Hypothesize ways in which art influences perceptions and understandings of human experiences.	Class 1: Introduction Day Scientists and designers use many of the same tools but also bring distinct ways of creating and looking at the world to their work. Combining these tools and understandings can help us understand and care for the built and natural environment in a deeper way.	Top Left: Darwin’s evolution drawings, Top Right: journal of William Duncan Strong, Bottom: John Muir Rock Sketch	Give students an overview of what we’ll be covering over the semester and why it’s important. Introduce key terms: art, design, biology, ecology, biodesign. Establish expectations. Hand out journals and do a sketching tutorial. Establish that both artists and scientists use journals in their work, and that this class will ask students to utilize and develop the tools and abilities of both artists and scientists. "So What?" Recap of class and possible 5 minute journaling
Lesson Concept	Standard Connections	Structure of Class	Visual References / Precedents
SCIENCE STANDARDS: PS. 1B: Chemical processes are understood in terms of collisions of molecules, rearrangement of atoms, and changes in energy as determined by properties of elements involved. ESS3A: Resource availability has guided the development of human society and use of natural resources has associated costs, risks, and benefits ART/DESIGN STANDARDS: VA:Cn10.1.iia: Utilize inquiry methods of observation, research, and experimentation to explore unfamiliar subjects through artmaking.	Class 2: Biomaterials A Objects designed from petroleum-based materials cause many problems for both the environment and human well-being. Designing objects that only last as long as they need to perform their function, and then biodegrade, is far preferable to our current situation	Top Left: Ecovative Mycelium Top Right: Suzanne Lee, kombucha leather jackets	Introduce chemistry/polymer structures with models that students can manipulate. Students handle and learn about SCOBY and make kombucha. Students handle and learn about mycelium (show finished products), and make mycelium molds. "So What?" Recap of class and possible 5 minute journaling
Lesson Concept	Standard Connections	Structure of Class	Visual References / Precedents
SCIENCE STANDARDS: LS2B Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems - The atoms that make up the organisms in an ecosystem are cycled repeatedly between the living and nonliving parts of the ecosystem. Food webs model how matter and energy are transferred among producers, consumers, and decomposers as the three groups interact within an ecosystem. ESS3A: Resource availability has guided the development of human society and use of natural resources has associated costs, risks, and benefits ART/DESIGN STANDARDS: VA:Cr2.2.ia: Explain how traditional and non-traditional materials may impact human health and the environment and demonstrate safe handling of materials, tools, and equipment.	Class 3: Biomaterials B There is no material waste in nature – everything is used, repaired and/or becomes food for something else. A thing only lasts as long as it needs to last. What if we designed in the built environment with this strategy?	Top: Composter Bottom: Pacific Trash Heap	Pack mycelium molds Play with biopolymers and place in composters. Talk about why we might choose biomaterials over synthetic ones. "So What?" Recap of class and possible 5 minute journaling
Lesson Concept	Standard Connections	Structure of Class	Visual References / Precedents
SCIENCE STANDARDS: LS4B Natural Selection - Natural Selection occurs only if there is variation in the genes and traits between organisms in a population. Traits that positively affect survival can become more common in a population. LS4C Adaptation - Evolution results primarily from genetic variation of individuals in a species, competition for resources and proliferation of organisms better able to survive and reproduce. Adaptation means that the distribution of traits in a population, as well as species expansion, emergence or extinction, can change when conditions change. ART/DESIGN STANDARDS: Va:Cr2.3.iia: Redesign an object, system, place, or design in response to contemporary issues.	Class 4: Evolution/Iteration A Evolution works through adaptation and natural selection to create an organism’s design. Additional concepts: co-evolution, mimicry	Top: examples of speculative biology Bottom: example of mismatch game	Reminder of how evolution works Cow/Jungle warm-up Game- and then group share Stations with harsh or extreme environments (Each has specifics questions to ask, clear instructions, and examples of organisms that actually live in that environment and what adaptations those organisms have developed) "So What?" Recap of class and possible 5 minute journaling
Lesson Concept	Standard Connections	Structure of Class	Visual References / Precedents
SCIENCE STANDARDS: LS4B Natural Selection - Natural Selection occurs only if there is variation in the genes and traits between organisms in a population. Traits that positively affect survival can become more common in a population. LS4C Adaptation - Evolution results primarily from genetic variation of individuals in a species, competition for resources and proliferation of organisms better able to survive and reproduce. Adaptation means that the distribution of traits in a population, as well as species expansion, emergence or extinction, can change when conditions change. ART/DESIGN STANDARDS: VA:Cr2.1.ia: Engage in making a work of art or design without having a preconceived plan.	Class 5: Evolution/Iteration B Nature’s iteration through evolution is slow and non-directional, while design often involves iterative rapid prototyping which leads to new insight and direction for further design ideas.	"Works like" models made by RISD Students	Introduction Science of Evolution Looks Like/Works Like Model Making "Soft" Critique—Students have opportunity to share their models with the class in an informal way. "So What?" Recap of class and possible 5 minute journaling
Lesson Concept	Standard Connections	Structure of Class	Visual References / Precedents
SCIENCE STANDARDS: LS4B Natural Selection - Natural Selection occurs only if there is variation in the genes and traits between organisms in a population. Traits that positively affect survival can become more common in a population. LS4C Adaptation - Evolution results primarily from genetic variation of individuals in a species, competition for resources and proliferation of organisms better able to survive and reproduce. Adaptation means that the distribution of traits in a population, as well as species expansion, emergence or extinction, can change when conditions change. ART/DESIGN STANDARDS: VA:Cr3.1.ia: Apply relevant criteria from traditional and contemporary cultural contexts to examine, reflect on, and plan revisions for works of art and design in progress.	Class 6: Evolution/Iteration C Understanding how Nature refines design over time can give us insight to iterative design.	Examples of biomimicry/human applications of nature's design	Returning to works like/ looks like models to apply to a real world, human setting. Students will use original models to expand. Apply human forces to learn the idea of iteration, asking, Who do you want to use it? How long does it need to last? How much does it cost? Is there a demand for it? Work time to develop a design with human applications and multiple iterations Make biomaterials, if needed, for final designs "So What?" Recap of class and possible 5 minute journaling
Lesson Concept	Standard Connections	Structure of Class	Visual References / Precedents
SCIENCE STANDARDS: LS4B Natural Selection - Natural Selection occurs only if there is variation in the genes and traits between organisms in a population. Traits that positively affect survival can become more common in a population. LS4C Adaptation - Evolution results primarily from genetic variation of individuals in a species, competition for resources and proliferation of organisms better able to survive and reproduce. Adaptation means that the distribution of traits in a population, as well as species expansion, emergence or extinction, can change when conditions change. ART/DESIGN STANDARDS: VA:Pr4.1.8a: Develop and apply criteria for evaluating a collection of artwork for presentation. VA:Cr3.1.iia: Engage in constructive critique with peers, then reflect on, re-engage, revise, and refine works of art	Class 7: Evolution/Iteration D	Steps for engaging in art critique	Finalize “real-world” application designs Introduction to how a formal critique works Present designs "So What?" Recap of class and possible 5 minute journaling
Lesson Concept	Standard Connections	Structure of Class	Visual References / Precedents
SCIENCE STANDARDS: LS 2A Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems - Organisms and populations are dependent on their environmental interactions both with other living things and with non-living factors, any of which can limit their growth. Competitive, predatory, and mutually beneficial interactions vary across ecosystems but the patterns are shared. LS2B Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems - The atoms that make up the organisms in an ecosystem are cycled repeatedly between the living and nonliving parts of the ecosystem. Food webs model how matter and energy are transferred among producers, consumers, and decomposers as the three groups interact within an ecosystem. LS2C Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning and Resilience. If a biological or physical disturbance to an ecosystem occurs, including one induced by human activity, the ecosystem may return to its more or less original state or become a very different ecosystem, depending on the complex set of interactions within the ecosystem ART/DESIGN STANDARDS: Hypothesize ways in which art influences perception and understanding of human experiences.	Class 8: Biosystems A We can directly apply nature's cyclical systems to solve human problems, as with aquaponics and living systems.	Top: Interrelated Systems Graphic, Bottom: Aquaponics System	Jen will present on nature’s cycles (decomposers, sunlight etc.) and show actual examples of how a cycle functions in an ecosystem. Students will learn about aquaponics and living systems as a way of applying nature’s cyclical systems to human problems. Solve some sort of local problem with aquaponics/living systems. "So What?" Recap of class and possible 5 minute journaling
Lesson Concept	Standard Connections	Structure of Class	Visual References / Precedents
SCIENCE STANDARDS: LS 2A Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems - Organisms and populations are dependent on their environmental interactions both with other living things and with non-living factors, any of which can limit their growth. Competitive, predatory, and mutually beneficial interactions vary across ecosystems but the patterns are shared. LS2B Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems - The atoms that make up the organisms in an ecosystem are cycled repeatedly between the living and nonliving parts of the ecosystem. Food webs model how matter and energy are transferred among producers, consumers, and decomposers as the three groups interact within an ecosystem. LS2C Ecosystem Dynamics — Functioning and Resilience. If a biological or physical disturbance to an ecosystem occurs, including one induced by human activity, the ecosystem may return to its more or less original state or become a very different ecosystem, depending on the complex set of interactions within the ecosystem ART/DESIGN STANDARDS: VA:Cn10.1.iiia: Synthesize knowledge of social, cultural, historical, and personal life to create meaningful works of art or design. VA:Cr2.3.8: Select, organize, and design images and words to make visually clear and compelling presentations.	Class 9: Biosystems B We can take inspiration from nature’s cyclical systems and use these systems as an analog for solving human problems, as in cardboard to caviar.	Cardboard to Caviar Map	Jen will present on Biophilic Design - scavenger hunt for where the patterns are in the room Jen will explain how applying what we know about natural systems might be applied to a human system and will show a map that demonstrates for students how they might turn a wasteful human system into something that benefits from cycle as in nature. Maddy will explain how she turned this information into a visual representation, using composition, hierarchy, and balance. Students will receive cards with local problems and facts and will brainstorm for ten minutes how they might turn this into a cycle, mapped visually. Students will share their ideas with the group, and the group will merge ideas. PHASE 1: Group will decide on content and roughly sketch out design. PHASE 2: Group will focus on visual layout and work on presenting the information, applying design understandings. "So what?" Recap of Class and five minute journaling
Lesson Concept	Standard Connections	Structure of Class	Visual References / Precedents
SCIENCE STANDARDS: Science and Engineering Practices - Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information - Communicate scientific and/or technical information or ideas (e.g. about phenomena and/or the process of development and the design and performance of a proposed process or system) in multiple formats (including orally, graphically, textually, and mathematically). ART/DESIGN STANDARDS: VA:Cr2.3.ia: Collaboratively develop a proposal for an installation, artwork, or space design that transforms the perception and experience of a particular place.	Class 10: Biosystems C Systems thinking can help us to optimize how we live on this planet, solving for pattern to meet social and environmental needs.		Students take their cycle graphics made in the previous class and turn it into a polished display/graphic. Print. Critique Take survey (time permitting)