Astronauts With Magic Glasses: Imagination as a Bridge Between Photography and Systems Thinking

• In Event: Photography, Play, Embodiment, and Automated Scoring: Enriching the Lives of Learners and Teachers

Abstract

This study explores whether and how the storytelling power of photography might be used to support elementary-aged youth in developing systems thinking. Introducing the pedagogical approach of photography-integrated STEM, we report on our implementation of a 10-hour afterschool program featuring an instructional blend of photography and COVID-19 disease science. We present our initial findings from the first iteration of a design-based research study that uses ethnography and activity theory to better understand how youth develop systems thinking with arts-integration. Our analysis of youth activity revealed two interesting mediating artifacts youth tapped into as they connected photography and systems thinking: imagination and props. We discuss these findings and the implications for future work.

Authors

• Elizabeth Grace, Washington State University
  Presenting Author

• Molly L. Kelton, Washington State University
  Presenting Author

• Kristin Saba Fisher, Washington State University
  Presenting Author