In a unique collaboration, 8th-grade students at Lake George Jr.-Sr. High School are blending art and science in a fascinating project. Led by art teacher Mrs. Connolly and science teacher Mrs. McGrath, students are exploring the world of asexual reproduction and plant propagation while crafting beautiful pinch pots.
The project began with with students learning the science of asexual reproduction and cloning in plants. Students learned about the process of rooting plants in water and the importance of identifying root nodes. They also explored the characteristics of various plant species, including Wandering Dude, Spider Plant, Pothos, and Jade.
“This project was fun because it has two elements to it, the creative side and the life science side,” said Michael Congel, an 8th-grade student.
Armed with this knowledge, students selected a plant of their choice to propagate. They then turned their attention to the art component, creating unique pinch pots to house their growing plants. Throughout the process, students maintained detailed journals, documenting their research on light, water, and plant care.
The collaboration has sparked creativity and curiosity among the students. “I enjoyed being creative with our pots and doing what we wanted,” shared Debra Conner, an 8th-grade student.
A seed of curiosity has been planted, nurtured by both art and science. This has shown students the complexities of biological processes while cultivating an appreciation for the natural world. As their plant specimens flourish, so too will their knowledge and enthusiasm for both areas of study.