Sixth-grade science teacher Kimberly Olivarez challenged her students at Krueger Middle School to put a spin on learning the elements of the periodic table by adding a little art to the mix. To do this, she brought in local artist Juan Vega Trevino. Olivarez is a graduate student at UTSA and is learning about different ways to turn STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) projects into STEAM by adding art to the lesson.
Olivarez was inspired by Trevino’s napkin art to alter the lesson and ask her students to draw on the outside of their element boxes. The inside of the box included information on how the element is used. Trevino was invited to visit the class when the project was complete. After viewing their colorful element boxes, he shared with the class about how he got started with his napkin art. That passion eventually became an exhibit at the Blue Star Art Complex and even a light show at Mission San Juan Capistrano for the 300th celebration of San Antonio.
“The students got to ask questions about his career, his process of creating and his road to becoming an artist,” said Olivarez. “It was an inspirational message of hard work and endurance to see a successful artist from the San Antonio area speak to the class and inspire them to create and pursue their passion in fine arts.”
Posted on 3-22-19
