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Fifth graders at Presumpscot Elementary School participated in a Side x Side program that integrated an environmental literacy unit with printmaking. During the program, students studied ocean waves (the school mascot) with a focus on cultivating identity and community. They learned that like waves, each student is a unique individual while also being an important

Fourth graders at Lyseth Elementary School recently completed a Side x Side program that integrated environmental science with art. With teaching artist Leah Cross, students designed, illustrated, and painted rain barrels and canvas flags for the school’s pollinator garden, and added mosaic tile patterns to birdbaths.  

Fourth graders at Rowe Elementary School participated in a Side x Side program that integrated a science and literacy unit on animal behaviors with art. During the program, students became experts on the school’s mascot, the river otter, and animal behaviors including movement, defense mechanisms, and habitats. With teaching artist Jill Osgood, they drew, painted,

Third graders at Rowe Elementary School participated in a Side x Side program that integrated drawing and sculpture into a Wabanaki studies unit called, “Take Me to the River.” During the program, students learned about the Presumpscot River, the ecological makeup of the surrounding areas, and the profound impact of dams on migratory species of

Fourth graders at Ocean Avenue Elementary School recently participated in a Side x Side program called In Flow With Our Values that integrated a Wabanaki Studies unit with drawing and public art. Students learned about Wabanaki portaging culture and explored the concepts of timelines, values, and traditions. They then connected the concepts to their experience

First graders at Rowe Elementary School participated in a Side x Side program that integrated a literacy and science unit on Maine birds with drawing and sculpture. The program kicked off with a visit from Sparks’ Ark who brought a live barred owl into the school! After choosing a bird to research, students created fact

Fourth graders at Connors Elementary School in Lewiston participated in a Side x Side program that integrated a history and literacy unit with bookmaking. During the program, students explored history, timelines, and the concept of primary sources to better understand how we tell stories over time. Students then created their own primary source by writing

Fifth graders at Ocean Avenue Elementary School recently wrapped up a Side x Side STEAM program that integrated mixed media sculpture with engineering, urban design, and practical problem solving. As part of a classroom unit called “Building Bridges,” and led by teaching artist Posey Moulton, the program began with an exploration of extraordinary bridges from

Second graders at Reiche Community School recently completed a Side x Side program that helped to teach a science unit on dinosaur fossils through sculpture. Led by teaching artist Nance Parker, students learned about sculptural reliefs and then, using clay, designed and built their own reliefs of dinosaur fossils. They then used papier-mâché and paint

Third graders at Lyseth Elementary School recently participated in a Side x Side program that integrated a science unit on animal behaviors with physical theater, storytelling, and performance. Led by teaching artist Gretchen Berg, students worked collaboratively to create, rehearse, and perform original physical theater pieces exploring and sharing their scientific research on animal behaviors