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By The Advocate Editors

Ms. Mercaldi’s freshmen The Living Earth classes at Jonathan Law recently paused their curriculum for five days to create unique displays of their science-related interests.

Using materials such as macaroni, paint, paper, and clay students were able to share a part of their culture and ideas connecting back to their personal life. Their “Fresh New Lens: Beauty of Science Art Show” creations were put on display on Friday, February 28, in various locations throughout the school.

“Currently this year I hadn’t done anything with my students to recognize their culture, their inspiration, and their connection to science so I stopped my curriculum for five days and told them that they could use any materials that they would like to and that they were going to create some kind of inspired artwork based on a scientist,” Mercaldi said. “The scientist they chose could be a representation of their culture. It ultimately turned into really just getting to know my students better through their artwork.”

Many students created projects based on their interests outside of school.

“I made paper mâché fish because of my connection with the ocean and I love to fish,” freshman Ryan Treat said. 

Freshman Brandon Leslie was inspired by the work of Japanese biologist Yoshiri Oshimi. 

“I did a poster and made a flower which showed his achievements,” said Leslie. “Each petal represents each achievement. We used different textures such as tin foil, felt, straw and macaroni.”

Freshman Derek Cascone-Kirkland was inspired by Italian-American physicist Enrico Fermi because he was the creator of the first nuclear reactor. 

“We thought it was very interesting how they had positive and negative effects on our climate,” Cascone-Kirkland said. “We also really enjoyed doing this project.”

Freshman Brenda Grunow based her project on environmental problems she saw in society.

“My project was about (Mexican chemist) Mario Molina’s involvement in discovering the ozone layer,” Grunow said. “I thought he had some interesting views on how to solve issues with the ozone layer.”

Freshman Debora Silva created five paintings in her showcase.

“My project was painting space,” Silva said. “I chose to paint that because I was interested in astronomy.”