Art teachers have challenged the recent STEM initiative that emphasizes Science, Technology, Engineering and Math in the K-12 classroom, to also include Art. The Tree SmART workshop will provide experiences in ways that teachers can incorporate these new STEAM principles into the art classroom using trees as a theme. They will complete two SmART tree projects that integrate technology, science and math that they can take back and use in their classroom.

Activities: Participants will be introduced to various Internet resources including the STEAM Web site, the Tree Ring Institute, and the New Jersey Big Tree Program. They will engage in hands-on activities that may be adapted for all grade levels to incorporate design thinking and problem solving. Viewing tree cross- sections as source material, they will assess annual rings for type, age, environmental factors and visual patterns. They will create radial composition drawings that may be further developed later in other media. Small groups will work collaboratively using the steps in the Engineering Design Process to plan and test their prototype for a walking labyrinth inspired by their selected tree ring configuration. They will understand the mathematical methods used by the New Jersey Tree Program to nominate state champions, and using the Big Tree Guide, will research ones that are near their homes and schools.