The STEM building now features artwork by students in the new Art in Science program, where each project directly correlates to what those in the program are learning.
This fall, San Marin’s STEM Art in Science program kicked off and welcomed 30 freshmen into its four-year pathway. The program is formatted so that each year, students take a STEM class and a complementary art class. Art in Science Biological Illustration teacher, Liz Lloyd, explained this partnership, and the program’s four-year plan.
“When they take Biology they also take Biological Illustration, when they take Physics they’ll take 2D & 3D Design, and when they take Chemistry they’ll take Sculpture and Ceramics,” Lloyd said. “Their senior year is meant to be more personalized towards what their goals are after their high school adventures.”
Art in Science is already a success in the eyes of students. Art in Science freshman Ashwin Limeta appreciates how his art class has supported his learning of Biology. Limeta’s favorite instance of this was during a project for his Biological & Anatomical Illustration unit earlier this semester.
“We were learning about cells, so in art, we drew and labeled their parts,” Limeta said. “I think it’s really cool how you can see how each little part [of the cell] makes up our entire body and serves a purpose.”
Student engagement and satisfaction with the pathway’s curriculum have not gone unnoticed.
“It excites me to see students so interested in the material; they’re coming to class excited to see what comes next and seeing the connections between their science and drawing classes,” Lloyd said.
According to Biology teacher Sarah Femmel, the pathway supports all students looking to learn.
“It’s important if you’re interested in it [Art in Science] to always give yourself those opportunities.”
– Sarah Femmel
Biology teacher
“Even if you’re not of a high artistic caliber… It’s important if you’re interested in it [Art in Science] to always give yourself those opportunities,” Femmel said. “You might end up discovering something about your abilities that you didn’t know before.”
Freshman Quinn Ostroff applied and was accepted into the STEM Biotechnology pathway, but after being given the opportunity to join Art in Science instead, he changed his mind.
“I got into Biotech, then a couple of weeks later they sent me an email asking if I wanted to join this new program… I thought it sounded fun, so I joined,” Ostroff said.
Ostroff is glad he joined the Art in Science pathway and eagerly awaits its exciting courses ahead.
“I look forward to doing glass fusion junior year,” Ostroff said.
Lloyd urges incoming freshmen to apply for the pathway so they can experience its unique curriculum.
“It locks you into a great sample of so many art mediums,” said Lloyd. “If you enjoy thinking creatively, then this is a pathway you should consider.”
