Unlocking the Power of Art in Education

Art as a Teaching Tool

Sydney Skelton Simon, Bradley Associate Curator of Academic Affairs, believes in the transformative power of art in education. She collaborates with faculty to integrate art into various university-level courses, transforming the museum into a living classroom.

A STEM-Art Dialogue

Simon and Meg Urry, a Yale astronomy professor, co-authored a dialogue exploring the fusion of science and art in education. Urry's course, "Expanding Views of Time and Space," showcased a unique partnership that used art as a catalyst for scientific discussions.

Beyond Object Analysis

Through deep collaborations with faculty, Simon and Urry's approach emphasizes teaching with art, not merely about art. This pedagogy fosters a range of skills in students, including:

• Visual analysis
• Critical thinking
• Empathy
• Intellectual curiosity
• Clear communication

Expert Insights

"Sydney and Meg's partnership serves as an inspiring model for incorporating art into STEM classes at Yale," says Liliana Milkova, Nolen Curator for Education and Academic Affairs.

A Handpicked Collection

For Urry's course, the team curated a selection of objects carefully chosen to illuminate scientific concepts. University class visits were led by Gallery educators, ensuring an immersive and engaging experience.