IGN 7-10 - Drawn to science: Exploring historical and contemporary synergies between drawing, creativity, and science

Tuesday, August 8, 2017
C123, Oregon Convention Center
Bethann G. Merkle, Science Communication Section chairperson; Wyoming Migration Initiative, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY
Humans think in images. Our brains actually understand images faster, and remember images longer, than words. Drawing was the earliest documentation method. History demonstrates drawing has been integral to learning for centuries. Drawing (even without training) can: aid learning and memorization, help clarify what you know, enhance research methodology, improve your experience with/performance on assessments, enhance your visual thinking skills, enhance creativity and problem solving, and enhance science communication efforts. There is even evidence that collaboration between scientists and artists may result in better science. This talk explores historical and contemporary examples of synergies between drawing, creativity, and science.