Event 2: Cosmological Elements -- Space and Art #1 (Travis Shibata-Bardaro)

    I attended the first part of the Cosmological Elements Panel and left with much interest in the field of cosmology. This highlights the power of art in inspiring individuals to pursue careers in or research more into the sciences.
Figure 1 (left) and 2 (right) -- Proof of Attendance with Comment (Shibata-Bardaro)

    In similarity, at the Tech Museum in San Jose, California viewers watch a movie titled Coral Reef Adventure, which showcases the beauty of coral reefs while also explaining why this delicate ecosystem is endangered in a way that is captivating (Frenichel and Schweingruber 81). By utilizing the art of photography and evoking sympathy, the audience’s attention is captivated. However, does this have any lasting impacts? While the cosmological panel kept me entertained and intrigued, I did not end up shifting my career path or conducting extensive research about space. With that said, I did end up talking about the event to friends with Biogram Blueprints by Eli Joteva and Our Celestial Bodies by Daniela Brill Estrada being key pieces in the conversation (Long and Schnugg). Moreover, studies conducted by evaluators found that out of the 28 people interviewed who watched Coral Reef Adventure, most talked about it right after the movie ended and some even kept doing so after several months (Frenichel and Schweingruber 81). In fact, some participants even became actively involved in combating further environmental damages (Frenichel and Schweingruber 81).
Figure 3: Digital Image of Our Celestial Bodies (Our Celestial Bodies)

Figure 4: Daniela’s Brill Estrada’s Approach to Making Our Celestial Bodies (Periodic Table)

    Furthermore, based on recent research emotions help in learning and retention (Frenichel and Schweingruber 82). One key thing about art is that art often tampers with emotions. We have seen this with the ethicality debates during the topics of medical technology, biotechnology, and art. This emotion aspect was also present within the cosmological panel with each exhibit sparking some sort of emotion whether that be of fascination or curiosity. For instance, the photographs in Under the Same Sky left viewers memorized and with a greater appreciation for the realm beyond Earth (Long and Schnugg). In relation, fostering a sense of belonging is crucial in exciting and educating individuals, and Estrada’s Our Celestial Bodies follows this principle perfectly as she showcases how all these different elements originate from cosmic bodies including stars (Isaacs). Consequently, the earth we live on, the people who we socialize with, and even our own body are made up of this stardust.
Figure 5: Digital Image of Under the Same Sky (An).

    According to US psychologist Melanie Green and Timothy Brock, stories are more captivating than facts, increase retention, and reduce the potential for counter-arguments (Cormick). During the panel, each artist shared their own personal story, explaining their process and reasoning for their approach in the commission (Long and Schnugg). For example, Angela Davies in Systems Supporting Life II recalled her journey of collecting various samples of water from differing areas and the hardships she had to endure (Long and Schnugg).
Figure 6: Digital Image of Systems Supporting Life II (Davies)

    Finally, the environment of the event was a relatively informal one, which allowed individuals to have a role in determining what is, when it is, and how it is learned (Frenichel and Schweingruber 82). These artistic environments are designed to be safe in order to encourage exploration and creativity that arises from curiosity without the pressure of performance demands (Frenichel and Schweingruber 82).
    As a personal lover of astronomy and the mystery it holds, I would recommend the Cosmological Elements Panel even though it did become bogged down with confusing information on the occasion.

Works Cited:
An, Angel. Under the Same Sky. Fosun Foundation, Shanghai. 

Cormick, Craig. “Top Tips for Getting Your Science out There.” Nature, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-020-00239-6. 

Davies, Angela. Systems Supporting Life II. Fosun Foundation, Shanghai. 

Estrada, Daniela Brill. Our Celestial Bodies. Fosun Foundation, Shanghai. 

Estrada, Daniela Brill. Periodic Table of Elements and Their Origin. Cosmological Elements, 21 Apr. 2023. Accessed 21 Apr. 2023. 

Frenichel, Marilyn, and Heidi A Schweingruber. “Interest and Motivation: Steps Toward Building a Science Identity.” Surrounded by Science: Learning Science in Informal Environments, National Academies Press, Washington, DC, 2010, pp. 81–101. 

Isaacs, André K. “How to Attract the next Generation of Chemists.” Nature Reviews Chemistry, 16 May 2023, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41570-023-00503-z.

Long, Iris, and Claudia Schnugg. “Insights to the Cosmological Elements Exhibition, Episode 1: Hidden Dimension” Cosmological Elements. 21 Apr. 2023, Zoom, Zoom. 

Shibata-Bardaro, Travis. Screenshot of Zoom Comment. 18 May 2023. 

Shibata-Bardaro, Travis. Screenshot of Zoom Confirmation . 18 May 2023. 

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