Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Blowing Off Ste(A)M: The Value Of The Creative Arts For Gifted Stem Students (Iagc 2017), Tracy A. Townsend, Michael W. Hancock, Michael P. Dean

Faculty Publications & Research

The following is a collection of teaching documents, including classroom activities and assignment prompts, used in the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy’s Graphic Novels, Creative Writing, and Modern Theater classes. These materials are easily included in courses with broader topical focuses, however, either as single-day activities or units of study. The specific materials included here are especially beneficial as means of encouraging student creativity, building up a variety of communication skills, rewarding experimental work, and providing new outlets for critical thinking and social-emotional development.

Spread Newspapers Around: Students Acting! The Invaluable Role Of Modern Theater Class In A Stem Environment, Leah Kind

Faculty Publications & Research

All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.

This line of William Shakespeare’s, itself often redrawn and refashioned to suit different intended purposes, perhaps never rings as poignantly as during high school. Students speak of trying on a particular personality or character, as they desperately seek for what TRUE player dwells behind the mask. The years between junior high and secondary education exist for many students as their own personal time of remaking. Students exit one wing in adolescence, rush behind the curtain as they take up or cast off whatever masks and accoutrements they …

A Concert Full Of Actors, Shreya Santhanam '14

2014 Spring Semester

Eager whispers travel through the crowd. The anticipation is building. The clock strikes 7:30 and then the lights go off, and the performers come out on stage. The crowd goes wild as the band launches into their first song. Music lovers frequent concerts in their free time. Concerts are not enjoyed by everyone. Some people claim they cannot stand the loud rock music blaring from the speakers. Instead they would rather go see a play, because they are considered classier. Rock concerts are perceived as loud and noisy, while plays appear to be elegant and perfect for a quiet night …