21st century skills

Xpeditions

Science Meets Artistry:The Work of Cai Guo-Qiang

created by ARTSEDGE

In this interdisciplinary lesson, students investigate the work of contemporary Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang, whose work combines Chinese cultural heritage with high-tech chemistry to create fine art pyrotechnical performances.

16th Century print of Chinese Fireworks

16th Century print of Chinese Fireworks

Global Awareness

The lesson helps students understand the cultural context of Cai Guo-Qiang's by examining traditional Chinese paining and the role of gunpowder in ancient china.

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Chemical Elements and Color

Chemical Elements and Color

Core Subjects: Science

Teachers are encouraged to use information from NASA's education web site to identify elements based on the color produced in a flame test. The interactive "Art of the Explosion" helps students see the relationship between chemical elements and color in fireworks.

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Art of the Explosion Interactive

Art of the Explosion Interactive

Creativity and Innovation

Although students cannot build and ignite their own explosion events, they can conceptualize and choreograph an event using the interactive activity on Art of the Explosion.

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Simulation variables

Simulation variables

Using Simulations and Models

Students can manipulate variables for the color, fade, and size control up to five different types of fireworks. Students can make predictions and note the affects of these characteristics on the choreography of their virtual displays.

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Virtual Fireworks Display

Virtual Fireworks display

Communication

Once students have experimented with the simulation, they can create a final display for presentation to their peers. Students are asked to demonstrate their understanding of concepts from the background information on the interactive by creating an artistic statement to support their visual display.

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