Collaboration Between Chemists and Artists in Academic Settings

Abstract

Scientific innovation thrives off a collaboration of diverse ideas. To encourage more diversity in science we, as academics, must make our subjects more accessible to a variety of learning styles. As a visual learner, and interdisciplinary student of art and science, I had difficulty wrapping my mind around chemistry. Chemistry as a subject is often taught verbally, through lecture and reading. It is difficult to teach visually because we can’t see chemicals at the atomic level. Researching with my mentor Dr. Montes, I use my artistic experience to make chemistry concepts more accessible to people who learn visually. I build off the efforts of my mentor, reviewing his lesson plan and use of figures. After my review on what can be improved upon, I illustrate the figures, being careful to use font and colors that are accessible to as many people as possible. The General Chemistry II class of Fall 2018 will review these efforts and offer their input as students. Although people cannot see at the atomic level, people understand chemical properties. Chemical concepts can be represented symbolically for students. This collaboration between chemistry and art makes the sciences more accessible to a diverse student body, ensuring a bright future of scientific discovery.