The A.R.T.

of Biology: Spring Semester

Applicable, Reflective, & Transformative
Science is a way of life. Science is a perspective. Science is the process that takes us from confusion to
understanding in a manner that's precise, predictive and reliable - a transformation, for those lucky
enough to experience it, that is empowering and emotional. -Brian Greene

In an effort to experience, internalize, and understand the biological concepts you

will be learning about this year, I want see what you are learning through your eyes.
Your perspective on what we discuss in class is important for your understanding
and for mine. Not only does it show me what you learned and how you learned it,
but it also teaches me about your thought-process which in turn makes me a better
educator.
Objective

REFLECT on how the biological concepts you have learned in this class APPLY to your life and
how it has TRANSFORMED you.

Specifics

Select THREE biological concepts covered in class SPRING SEMESTER that applies to your life.
After reflecting on how they have transformed some aspect of your life (how you think, feel, go
about your daily routine, etc.) convey that information using a mode of artistic interpretation.
The mode of artistic interpretation can be anything you choose (and does not have to be in your
area of expertise). You may use music, drawings, photography, poetry, dramatic dialogue,
interpretative dancethe possibilities are endless!
The project must be cohesive, meaning all 3 pieces use the same mode of artistic interpretation.
Work smarternot harder! If there is the potential for overlap in one of your art classes then take
advantage of it.
The most important piece of this project is that I am able to review it and know without a doubt
that you understand the material on a deeper level. For example, you could use the concept of
Ecology (Ecology is the branch of biology that studies the interactions between organisms and
their environment.) The art on the left is not what I am looking for. The art on the right is what I am
looking for. It conveys the complex relationship between humans and our environment; therefore
it would not only show me the meaning of ecology but also your perspective on it.
For each concept, please attach a 1-page (12-point font, Times New Roman, double-spaced,
normal margins) explanation of the concept, why it has been A.R.T., and how your art represents
that. You only need to use include a MLA-style bibliography and citations if you use ideas that are
not your own. You also must have parenthetical citations!

Final Project:

This project requires both a physical PRESENTATION and SUBMISSION.

The presentation will be required to last 10 minutes. Points will be subtracted for going 2
or more minutes under or over the required time-limit. (This will require practicing!)
Due to time constraints, all presentations will take place in the classroom. (Tables,
chairs, etc. will be moved to accommodate as needed).
The actual submission can include a longer performance piece if necessary. You must
choose the most important part to present/perform for the class!
Photography: Pictures must be original material taken THIS semester. The subject of the
picture MUST be manipulated by the artist in some way. Pictures must be printed out
using photo-quality paper in the desired color. (For example, if they are intended to be in
color they should be printed out in color, etc.). Pictures must be bound together in a
presentation-type binder along with the papers.
Visual Arts: The original pieces must be turned in. A picture of each original piece must
be included with the papers in a presentation-type binder.
Music: All students presenting music must troubleshoot for sound and other
technological issues in the classroom before the due day. All music performed must
recorded and submitted. The music should be recorded onto a CD that is properly
labeled. The CD should be included with the papers in a presentation-type binder.
Dance: All students performing a dance must troubleshoot for sound and other
technological issues in the classroom before the due day. All dance performed in class
must be recorded onto a DVD. The DVD should be included with the papers in a
presentation-type binder.

Due Dates:
1. 1 completed art piece is due in its final form (including CD, DVD, photo quality paper) by Friday,
March 4th. (5 points will be subtracted from final project grade for each school day that it is late.)
2. Final Projects can be emailed to me for editing no later than Friday, April 29 th. NO EXCEPTIONS
3. Final Project Presentations: Wednesday, May 4th.

Rubric (needs to be updated)

10 Points

15 Points

18 Points

20 Points

Understanding

All 3 concepts are

lacking in their ability to
demonstrate a deep
level of understanding

Creativity

All 3 concepts are

lacking in their ability to
demonstrate creativity

The project
demonstrates a
deep level of
understanding for
only 1 concept
Only 1 concept has
been creatively
interpreted into art

The project
demonstrates a
deep level of
understanding for
only 2 concepts
Only 2 concepts
have been
creatively
interpreted into art

The project
demonstrates a
deep level of
understanding for
all 3 concepts
All 3 concepts have
been creatively
interpreted into art

Quality

All 3 pieces of art

submitted are lacking
in quality

Only 1 piece of art

submitted is of high
quality

Only 2 pieces of art

submitted are of
high quality

All 3 pieces of art

submitted are of
high quality

Cohesiveness

The final project is not

cohesive

The final project is

slightly cohesive

The final project is

mostly cohesive

The final project is

submitted as a
cohesive
presentation

Deadlines

One deadline was met

Both deadlines
were met

***30 points will automatically be deducted for each topic missing from the final
project
Name:____________________________________

Mode:____________________________________

Grade:____________________________________