Ecology and Colour in 1m2 

BIOL 2322/FINA 1166

Lee Beavington and Amy Huestis

Summary: 

A place-based activity that has learners return to the same site repeatedly, and research/explore a local plant and animal species through reflective practice and arts-based approaches. 

Ecology and Colour in 1m² 

This interdisciplinary and learner-centered project invites students to build a connection with a specific place in their community. Students are inspired to look at the world through a pluralistic lens. Scientific discernment, artistic expression, and contemplative practice are integrated. The instructor provides regular formative feedback on student reflections, drawings, and responses to readings by Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass and David Haskell’s The Forest Unseen. Each student selects a plant and animal species present at (or near) their site, and observes them over several weeks. They create species summaries and generate their own inquiry-based questions to which they seek solutions. A celebration occurs afterward where learners from both classes (biology and fine arts) gather to share their drawings, photos, research and experiences. 

From our paper published in Cultural Studies of Science Education: 

“The Ecology and Colour in 1m² study has students from the sciences and the arts observe a small quadrat in their local community over several weeks, engaging in both scientific and creative expression. The connection to Aldo Leopold’s teaching principles and its relevance during our current screen fatigue pandemic and increasing disconnection from the natural world are outlined.”