Chapter 2: Crafting Science Experiences: Combining High School Ceramics and Chemistry for Academic Achievement

At one small East Texas high school, a lack of engagement hindered the academic achievement of most chemistry students. Three concepts in particular presented challenges for students: significant figures, moles, and stoichiometry. This practical action research study examined the effect of full art integration on student engagement and academic achievement in the core subject area. There are several different ways that art can be integrated into classrooms: subservient and co-equal. This study used a co-equal approach, which research has shown develops higher cognitive skills. Ceramics learning objectives were fully implemented with chemistry learning objectives in three distinct learning activities. The first, which required students to measure clay shrinkage through the firing process, illustrated the importance of significant digits. Students also learned how to throw their own bowls. In the second activity, students formulated glazes to expand their understanding of the concept of moles. Finally, stoichiometry principles formed the basis for calculating glaze formulas to complete the bowls thrown in the first activity. The results of this study suggest numerous positive effects of full art integration in core subject area instruction. The students, including reluctant learners, showed improved academic achievement after the learning activities. Students and teachers reported more engagement with the art-integrated lessons and noted that building connections between disciplines furthered student understanding of the concepts. Students were also able to apply the thought processes and skills learned through this project in their other courses. While this study demonstrated that art integration is a successful tool to implement in core subject classrooms, teachers and administrators need training and time to plan for its implementation. Through training and thoughtful art integration in core subject, teachers, administrators, and students should see a positive effect on learning outcomes.