How The DIA Is Teaching STEM To Local Students

DETROIT, MI — The Detroit Institute of Arts recently showed middle school girls from Southwest Detroit how art fits in to the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), opening their eyes to exciting careers in both STEM and art.

Through the DIA’s ‘Putting the STEAM in STEM’ program, the fifth through eighth grade girls learned how the museum uses science and technology to preserve art.

“The program broke stereotypes about the separation of art and STEM and showed students scientific processes the DIA uses to conserve artwork, including ultraviolet lasers,” said Nicole Meunier, development and events specialist for the Mercy Education Project, which provides tutoring, college readiness and other programs. “Seeing those processes in person makes them real and far more exciting than reading about them in a book, seeing them on TV or the internet.”

The girls visited the DIA’s conservation labs to learn how the DIA uses science to make sure pieces are authentic, determine when they were made and preserve them for future generations.

“Art and science intertwine frequently at the DIA and we enjoy sharing those processes with students,” said Salvador Salort-Pons, DIA director. “Our education programs show kids the importance of the connection between science and art.”

The DIA Conservation Department examines works of art, treats condition issues, investigates artists’ materials and work methods, determines appropriate display conditions, studies potential acquisitions and more. During their tour, students learned how the DIA dates paintings, as well as how artists used items like rocks and beetles to make paint colors.

“The DIA is a leader in education because they offer many programs and experiences you can’t find anywhere else in Southeast Michigan,” said Mary Beth Lohman, girls’ program academic coordinator for the Mercy Education Project. “In addition to seeing how art and STEM work together at the DIA, students discovered professions they may decide to pursue in the future.”

“Putting the STEAM in STEM” is one of several guided learning experiences offered to K-12 groups at the DIA. Each program is designed for specific age groups and types of learners to ensure the best experience possible.

Field trips to the DIA are free for students from Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties because of the 2012 tri-county millage.