Teaching artist Shawn Hall worked with 200 1st – 5th graders from Young Audiences Charter School in the exploration of the world of microbes. Students learned the tools of the artist’s trade–imagination, expression, exploration, mastery of a new medium and conceptual thinking.

Students were introduced to concepts such as the natural environment, ecological diversity and the idea of microorganisms, or microbes. They were asked to imagine that their eyes were microscopes inspecting the swamp water of southern Louisiana and finding micro-inhabitants. Using reference images as a jumping-off point, students put their imagination to work drawing microbes of varying sizes and shapes. During the following two sessions, students focused on bringing their microbes to life. They built on their painting skills and learned a new way of painting with water. Students honed their brushstrokes by delicately painting and mixing colors for their microbes. Using their sketches as inspiration, students created larger, detailed versions of their microbes as colorful watercolor paintings.

Microbes are found everywhere in abundance, including inside us (our microbiome). Scientists say that there are more microbes on the back of our hand than all the people on Earth combined. Introducing students to this larger community of organisms serves to engender a sense of stewardship toward unseen but important aspects of life and nature. The residency opportunity gave students a chance to develop a sense of wonder and a new understanding of the world around them. The micro world is a new frontier for scientists who are just beginning to understand the scope and scale of these communities. Imagination and thoughtful expression, like the kind shown in the students’ work, are building blocks to bright futures and perhaps even our own understanding of microorganisms.