“New Heights creating more opportunities for ‘A’ in STEAM”

Art and the creative process have long been overlooked in formal education, which makes the recent shift toward STEAM in the classroom that much more exciting for becca Pawling, arts and culture coordinator at New Heights. While STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, the ‘A’ in STEAM refers to Art.

“Too often, STEAM is interpreted as technological projects with a creative flair, but I want people to see that traditional mediums in visual art can be inspired by sciences or mathematics,” she said.

Serving more than 950 youth annually throughout the NH Seacoast and southern Maine, New Heights has made significant changes to its program this year to better integrate the creative arts into its science, math, and engineering programs.

In Beautiful Biology, Pawling said participants create fiber arts inspired by microscopic views of plant life. In Creative Chemistry, they use mordants, such as alum, to set natural dyes like turmeric. In Sacred Geometry, participants use mathematical formulas to increase artistic aesthetics used by ancient architects.

According to Pawling, the programs have demonstrated that the visual arts have a place in science, technology, engineering and math.

“These programs promote the notion of interdisciplinary learning and teamwork,” she said. “Sharing information and coming together to take on challenges can help groups find solutions that are far better than any individual genius in a vacuum.”

Noting the feedback has been very positive from students, Pawling said she feels the programs highlight the importance of art and creative thinking for youth.

“Creating requires tapping into your feelings, your heart, your instincts,” she said. “It can help foster empathy, purge aggression and build confidence…I believe in youths’ abilities to assimilate information, contextualize it, and use creative expression as a protective factor when their lives are full of risk.”

New Heights charges program fees, but offers need-based scholarships and the equipment necessary to participate. To register or learn more about New Heights’ upcoming summer program, visit www.newheightsonline.org, or call (603) 422-8235.