About: An opportunity to explore creative teaching methods and develop ways to facilitate a deeper understanding of what art and design thinking can spark in young minds when they investigate the natural world. The programming was “Design Naturalists“ at OMSI’s Coastal Discovery Center at Camp Gray.

Fellowship: Alongside my PNCA peers, the chair of the Collaborative Design + Design Systems program, and OMSI’s Coastal Discovery Center Manager, I developed curriculum and taught lessons at the intersection of art and science that blends design principles with coastal ecology for campers (grades 6-8). Highlights included:

1. Designing and creating lesson plans around an ‘Adventure Book’ for each camper.

2. Teaching an introductory drawing and art 101 workshop.

3. Exploring and making observations of the local fauna, environment, and dunes through a STEAM lens.

4. Prototyping and iterating on building construction and engineering considerations while considering environmental factors (e.g. tsunamis, erosion, and human intervention).