“The Art of Science” PUENTES/BRIDGES 2009
Building on the success of the PUENTES and BEAT programs, Teatro Milagro has developed partnerships with science teachers, natural resource programs and environmental stewardship organizations to share, through the arts, the importance of sustainability. Teachers and students alike can work collaboratively, through BEAT in-services and PUENTES residencies, to design, present and demonstrate sustainable communities that embrace diversity. By presenting science and social studies activities through a language and visual arts lens, “The Art of Science” offers the educator an integrated program that engages students in several subject areas. Through this process students are engaged in real-life global issues as they conceptualize their experience.
For the 2009 year El Ultimo, Teatro Milagro’s tale of a power struggle to save the trees on a wind swept island in the Patagonia raises awareness about environmental injustice. After school rehearsals engage students in a crossover of ideas shared from PUENTES classroom activities. “The Art of Science” workshop projects include discussion and dialog on governmental structure, alternative energy design and visual arts projects focused on recycling. Social justice theatre exercises use the environment as a focal point.

Art of Science Project Ideas:
Make paper from newspapers and flora of leaves and flowers.
Write an stewardship statement on hand made paper.
Interact with nature (i.e. hug a tree!) and take a photo.
Display photos and environmental commitments on a student created webpage such as facebook or myspace.
Create environmental posters.
Create clothing accessories, such as reusable shopping bags.
Stage dramas with an environmental message in environmental areas, like parks, school playgrounds or on buses.
Create a topical model or diorama of a sustainable city, with solar, wind and geothermal power.