Implementing the Dance of Science in Constructivist Classrooms: Choreography of Dualities

• In Event: 18.072 - Roundtable Session 6
  In Roundtable Session: 18.072-3 - Exploring Environment for Doing Science

Abstract

This presentation reports the findings of a five-year study designed and conducted by a team consisting of a constructivist charter school principal, a dance professor, and an educational researcher, on the impact of Creative Dance integration into the science curriculum at a K-5th grade constructivist charter school. The main theme that cuts across the findings represents “Choreography of Dualities.” The following five sets of dualities are discussed to explain the teachers’ interpretation of the Dance of Science Project: (1) Science vs. Dance, (2) Body /physical expressions vs. Ideas/concepts, (3) Teachers vs. Students, (4) Structure vs. Freedom, and (5) Trainers vs. Trainees. Based on interviews, teacher perceptions of the benefits and challenges of integrating Creative Dance will be offered.

Authors

• Mimi Miyoung Lee, University of Houston

• Rebecca B. Valls, University of Houston

• Carolyn Black, University of Houston