AMES, Iowa – Connecting STEM and the arts can seem almost magical, particularly when combined with behind-the-scenes views of a classic ballet. Over 40 Iowa 4-H youth and chaperones experienced this STEM-plus-arts connection during behind-the-scenes workshops followed by a matinee performance of the Nutcracker at Iowa State University.
The Dec. 13 performance and workshops were presented by Iowa 4-H Youth Development and Stephens Auditorium.
Youth engaged in workshops with partners from the ISU School of Education, Iowa Space Grant Consortium, Center for Technology in Learning and Teaching, Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired and NewBoCo. All activities worked to support a variety of literacy, art and STEM standards.
In one hands-on activity, participants explored the intersection of art and science. Led by partners from the Center for Technology in Learning and Teaching, this workshop combined art and science through heat-pressed acrylic. Participants used markers to create designs on acrylic and used heat press techniques to turn them into personalized ornaments.
“Many of our educational activities encouraged creativity and critical thinking, allowing youth to see how art and STEM go together,” said Sara Nelson, 4-H STEM program specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.
In another workshop, participants interactively developed their coding skills and problem-solving abilities through coding challenges. Presented by NewBoCo, a nonprofit organization that fosters innovation through technology education, this activity challenged participants to choreograph Bee-Bots through coding to perform similarly to how the Nutcracker dancers perform during the show.
Youth also received an exclusive theater tour, where they witnessed a behind-the-scenes view of the technical aspects of staging a ballet. This tour offered insights into performing arts, highlighting the importance of teamwork and precision in bringing a production to life. Several youth reported the tour as eye-opening, as they discovered how many intricate details go into a performance to make it seem magical for the audience.
The Iowa Space Grant Consortium led a Nutcracker Lego Build workshop where youth combined creativity with engineering principles.
“It was a perfect blend of fun and learning, allowing youth to engage in hands-on engineering while celebrating the Nutcracker theme,” said Rachel Shannon, assistant director for education and outreach at Iowa Space Grant Consortium.
“This year’s event was truly magical and so fun to be a part of. There was so much energy in the theater, and the workshops provided a unique opportunity to explore the connections between the arts and STEM,” said Nelson. “It was inspiring to see students engage with both the creative and technical aspects of the performance, showcasing the enriching experiences Iowa 4-H can offer through innovative partnerships.”
