Open AccessAstro-animation and Informal STEM Learning
Author(s) -
Laurence Arcadias,
R. H. D. Corbet
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
research notes of the aas
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2515-5172
DOI - 10.3847/2515-5172/ac01d3
Subject(s) - animation , outreach , visual arts , class (philosophy) , multimedia , computer science , art , political science , artificial intelligence , law
For several years we have been running an “astro-animation” class ( AstroAnimation.org ) at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore where students work in tandem with research scientists from NASA Goddard and elsewhere to create animations. These combine results of cutting-edge research with an artist’s eye to create novel presentations of scientific results. The animations have been used for scientific outreach and educational purposes, including presentations at museums, and art, STEAM, and science fiction festivals. Astronomy has broad public interest with a “wow” factor related to black holes, dark matter, life in the universe and more. Animation is an ideal medium since it combines creative approaches, is highly popular, and the films produced are readily available for distribution.