Promoting engagement and inclusivity in science learning through performing arts integration

Jamē McCray, National Wildlife Federation, Reston, VA

Background/Question/Methods
Engaging the public with environmental issues to foster engagement is a challenge for the scientific community. Dance is a mechanism that can be utilized to increase engagement with scientific content by connecting it to personal stories, emotions, and aesthetics. Drawing on transformational learning pedagogy, and methodology developed by the Dance Exchange to translate this scientific information into dance, both formal and informal educational engagements were developed.
Results/Conclusions
I describe how arts integration can broaden the groups engaged in science learning. I will give examples of performing arts projects executed in the classroom, and in informal settings to foster socio-environmental connections on topics like climate change, the urban water cycle, and sustainability.