Mixing disciplines

Program helps give students firmer grasp of sciences

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Subjects like science and math are traditionally kept firmly at opposite ends of the brain, and at times, even opposite ends of the school from subjects like music and art.

But a group of UNLV students attempted to bridge the gap through a recent project at Paradise Elementary School.

The ArtsBridge Las Vegas program -- part of the nationwide ArtsBridge America program -- places college students in elementary school classes to help them learn scientific and mathematical concepts through dance, music and visual art.

The project culminated with a May 2 program at Paradise Elementary School.

The presentation included a mural created by Staca Sadie's fifth-grade class, a dance performance by Arlene Haymen's second-grade class, and art books and paintings by Karon Lee's fourth-grade class. Each class was paired with a UNLV student -- Cathryn Reitle, Teresa Martinez and M.E. Malone, respectively.

The UNLV students had been meeting with the elementary school classes about twice a week for three months during their ArtsBridge experience.

Haymen's students squirmed and flapped their arms and buzzed to illustrate what they learned about insects. They were then "swallowed" by a long blue piece of fabric meant to represent a snake's belly.

"It gives them something to be excited about rather than just reading it in a book," said Martinez, a dance major.

Lee's students created abstract paintings with colors related to what they were learning about American Indians. A few students explained the symbolism of the colors they used during the program.

"They learn about their subject. It heightens that. But it also gives them more respect for art and dance," said Malone, an art major.

Sadie's students spoke of the math skills they used to create a grid for their mural "Pieces of Paradise," which included paintings of tools used in learning different subjects at their school.

Fifth-grader Alyssa Busch said she enjoyed working on the mural with her class.

"We got to learn all the cool things about art," Alyssa said.

The collaborative effort represented the first time UNLV has done an ArtsBridge Las Vegas project. Program leaders hope to expand it eventually. It's unlike many arts programs already in the school system, they explained.

"What you don't do is bring in a violin player and have him give a concert and go home," said Jeffrey Koep, UNLV's dean of the College of Fine Arts. "The idea is the students in the class where there is an ArtsBridge scholar must be involved."

Koep liked it because it gives UNLV students the chance to get a taste of teaching, even if they're not teaching majors, and provides professionals with teaching tools to use in the future. College students get a scholarship for their participation.

Las Vegas resident Bernice Fischer stepped in with the funding for ArtsBridge. She said she knew she wanted to help when she learned about the program.

"I never had children of my own, but I love children and I believe in education, so it's a wonderful combination," Fischer said.

Fischer said exposing children to the arts will make them better adults.

"I think the arts as a whole makes you a perceptive person," Fischer said.

Math specialist Michelle Adams organized the program on the school's side.

"This just seemed like another way to make a bridge with the university," Adams said.