The visual system

The projects goal was to take the subject of the human circulatory system and work with year 6 children to make it interactive and more accessible. The aim was to make it into an active and engaging workshop for the children filled with craft and costumes, where they can become the blood cells circulating the heart and body. This Kinesthetic and visual learning-based workshop, gave them a sensory experience to enhance their understanding of this complex topic for their SATS exams.

research

Research looking at kinaesthetic and object based learning- Looking at how it is more effective than generic learning methods.

looking at the idea of objects being the storytelling devices

Initial presentation explaining that I planned on using craft as a visual storytelling tool to aid certain topics in education. Through the presentation I go through references that have been an inspiration - one being Lizzie Scarlett’s educational bear.

first experimentation

Using my own drawings and digitally transferring them onto objects to tell a story. I used photoshop, indesign and procreate to create this.

VISIT TO THE SCIENCE MUSEUM FOR RESEARCH

I decided to narrow down my focus to science and kinaesthetic based learning for year 6 children (key stage 2). I went to the science museum because I wanted to see the learning resourct year 6 children have access to now. I found that most of interactive and kinaesthetic educational objects and activities were not free and you had pay for them. This pushed me to make my project more accessible to all children not just some.

the circulatory system research

I further narrowed down my project to focus on the topic of the circulatory system and year 6 children. My aim was to take this complex topic and make it into a visual workshop allowing the children to learning in a kinaesthetic and visual way. From my interview with my old science teacher I found that this topic was originally a year 7 / 8 topic and now due to the national curriculum it has been moved to a year 6 topic.

WORKING OUT THE LOGISTICS OF MY WORKSHOP

Understanding how I can make the workshop as interactive as possible.

big mat designs

Colour designs for big textile mat that is for the workshop. All images are made with procreate and photoshop.

costume inspiration

Looking at inspiration for characters for my workshop, looking at artists that use craft in a fun and engaging way.

my costume designs

My costume designs for characters in the workshop. These were drawn by hand and the digital designs were created on procreate.

LIAISING WITH PRIMARY SCHOOL

I got in contact with St. Matthews primary school in Surbiton and talked with them about conducting my workshop with their year 6’s.

MAKING OF MY MAT FOR THE WORKSHOP

I made the mat from fabric and hand sewed the whole thing, it is 6 metres by 3 metres.

full scale picture of the mat in my university studio.

notes and checklists for the workshop

Getting feedback and criticism from peers and St Matthew's primary school on what I should do on the day, taking that advise and tweaking aspects of the workshop.