Integrated Art Experiences by Arwen and Noah Alexander

The Sedgwick County Zoo

arwenandnoah — 2024-10-15 15:02:49 UTC

When I was visiting the zoo, I noticed many kids and families walking around taking advantage of the great weather. The kids were running around and loved seeing all the animals, especially over in the petting zoo area. I didn't notice an integrated art activity for children, although it would be very easy to make one!

Tanganyika Wildlife

arwenandnoah — 2024-10-15 15:07:26 UTC

Visiting Tanganyika is unlike any zoo I've been to. Because Tanganyika is not state-funded, they are allowed to let their visitors feed their animals or even pet them. This is so unique and is something all students should get the opportunity to do. There were not many kids there, however the few I saw were having the time of their lives with the bunnies or kangaroos. Their parent was practically dragging them away to go look at more animals! I did notice there was a coloring sheet laid out for kids, as well as a paper that described a treasure hunt!

Botanica Gardens

arwenandnoah — 2024-10-15 15:12:02 UTC

Going to Botanica is a very serene and beautiful experience. The flowers are jaw-dropping gorgeous and there is always sculptures of some kind around. There is a beautiful playground that was full of children. The focus point was the giant treehouse that kids could run up and down with little hiding holes that were perfect for tag or hide and seek. There wasn't any integrated art activity this time, but when I have gone in the past, they occasionally have learning seminars or an artistic set up with more information about something.

Take away

arwenandnoah — 2024-10-15 15:15:34 UTC

From these experiences, my main takeaway is there is so much beauty in nature. From animals to flowers, there is so much unity and it speaks to me in a higher sense. I also have noticed time and time again how people of all ages can enjoy these experiences, from 1-year-old children to 85-year-old grandmas. My favorite exhibit was the Zoo, as there was so much to do and it can be tailored to the age group and activity so easily. I could easily spend all day in the zoo and still not see everything!

Application

arwenandnoah — 2024-10-15 15:17:29 UTC

In the future, I would love to take my students to the zoo and show them all the animals. We could talk about food chains and different animals for different habitats. We could even play a game of BINGO with different animals! (For example, if you see 2 geese crossing the road, mark a point. If you see a penguin swimming mark a point etc.)