This approach is not new. However, the collaboration between students from two different disciplines, as
outlined above, is fairly unique.
Teaching of science through the performing arts involves a combination of visual, auditory and kinaesthetic
learning. Of course science can always be learned through seeing, hearing and doing but when engaging with
science concepts through performing arts it can involve both fine and gross motor skills. This is coupled with
assimilation of the concept, subsequent cognitive conflict and possible accommodation of the concept through
having to interpret it (and present it) through the performing arts. This involves a combination of creative thinking in
science and arts disciplines.
In this particular initiative, tensions and apprehension between the Arts and Education students and their tutors
had to be overcome. This was achieved by a natural process of becoming acquainted as individuals and by learning
to respect what they had to offer from their own field of expertise. This was aided by participating in practical
‘icebreakers’, ‘energisers’ and ‘warm ups’. One student stated that he felt that these had been introduced too late. He
felt that the group dynamic would have benefited from ‘energisers’ in the first session.
Data collected so far suggests that the two sets of students are beginning to appreciate each others’ strengths and
what they bring to the project. As a result they are supporting each other in overcoming any obstacles that