Thesis Chapters by Melissa Silk
The Value of Me in STEAM, 2021
In a profession enmeshed with theoretical, intellectual, and emotional complexities, asking secon... more In a profession enmeshed with theoretical, intellectual, and emotional complexities, asking secondary subject specialist educators to teach outside a comfort zone of words, equations, practice and expertise, is risky. This research presents four case studies examining how teachers took such risks in the context of STEAM education, with a view to reinvigorating and effecting transdisciplinary pedagogy integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics. Weaving a complex web of interpretation based on a dual framework of phenomenography and social constructivism, the research investigates two questions: (1) How can STEAM education activities be co-designed and delivered to encourage teachers to explore other ways of viewing themselves?; and (2) How does experiencing activity emotions in STEAM projects enhance or detract from the teachers’ personal identity development? Results from mixed methods data collection, including experience sampling, demonstrated the key influence of dialectical emotions experienced during STEAM learning. Such emotions encouraged shifts in teachers’ self-perception and identity as STEAM challenges were accepted, enacted and overcome. Analysing narratives of divergence from familiar and widely expected pedagogical practices, resulted in affordances of new capabilities for teachers’ sense of knowing, being and becoming, thus indicating the transformative potential in enacting a treasury of unique STEAM learning ideas.
Conference Presentations by Melissa Silk
Bridges Conference Proceedings 2016, 2016
Lumifold is a making workshop in which participants engage with specific mathematics related to e... more Lumifold is a making workshop in which participants engage with specific mathematics related to elementary symmetries, iteration and translation. A glide reflection pattern is provided in pre-scored paper in order for participants to transform the two dimensional flat sheet into a three dimensional sphere or cylinder called the Lumiball or Lumitall. The geometric shapes constructed during the activity demonstrate contrasting physical properties of stability and flexibility. In their final state of construction, the shapes are illuminated with small LEDs to highlight the biomimetic nature of the forms and delight the makers.
Bridges 2019 Conference Proceedings, 2019
Transdisciplinary STEAM experiences often produce enhanced breakthrough moments where learning th... more Transdisciplinary STEAM experiences often produce enhanced breakthrough moments where learning thresholds are crossed and so-called curriculum boundaries broken. But what is STEAM? Why would we combine four knowledge areas: science, engineering, technology and math (STEM) into one acronym and add the 'A' to acknowledge interconnectivity with the Arts? We do this to reinforce connectedness in all its learning forms. Effective STEAM desegregates conceptual learning experiences and encourages a new form of 3R's vocabulary to emerge as foundation for 21st and 22nd century knowledge and skills. Hungry Birds provides a splash of playful creativity in the vast sea of transdisciplinary learning potential. Hungry Birds is essentially a math-making experience, never losing sight of the complexity, beauty and elegance of its mathematical foundation.
Bridges 2019 Conference Proceedings, 2019
This workshop presents a form of modular origami in which paper circles are folded, assembled and... more This workshop presents a form of modular origami in which paper circles are folded, assembled and glued together to form a chain. By using circles of gradually varying diameter, one can form an ammonite-like spiral or an attractive wearable garland. Creating and manipulating the aesthetic forms in the workshop provides participants with opportunities for investigation and discussion of numerous mathematical and STEM concepts, simultaneously reinforcing the value of art and design in trans-disciplinary knowledge building (STEAM). Folding is a great source for numerous nontrivial connections to be made between mathematics, engineering, art and design. The act of folding offers moments of contemplation and meditation through the challenge and joy of making.
5th International STEM in Education Post Conference Proceedings, 2018
What if you teach high school students to learn mathematical theory of Cartesian plotting and gra... more What if you teach high school students to learn mathematical theory of Cartesian plotting and graphing within the context of Art and Design? How is this playful and fearless, demonstrating curiosity and purpose? (Wagner, 2012). How do we label this learning? We call this STEAM at its trans-disciplinary zenith. It is possibility with a capital P. Mixed methods research was employed via participatory observation to gather qualitative and quantitative data related to secondary school learning experience using the parabolic curve as the primary point of departure for student creation of three-dimensional aesthetic objects. The objects themselves relate to the concept of vessel; a container, a receptacle, a holder of something. Documenting the inter-disciplinary approach resulted in an exploration of the complexities we employ to discover meaning in a range of contexts not especially reliant on singular language. Convergence is presented in that mathematical rules unite with the rules of art and design in the attempt to project new concepts into situations where a space for originality exists. Here, the students have been encouraged to imagine new, effective ways of bringing ideas to form (Richmond, 2009). Naturally, developing explicit appreciation/action situations required critical and creative thinking to coincide with lateral and literal approaches to gaining knowledge and understanding of aesthetics. The study presents a reflexive account of the delivery of coursework entitled The Possibilities of the Parabola, from concept to completion.
Papers by Melissa Silk
Our story involves a bunch of junior high school students learning Cartesian plotting and graphin... more Our story involves a bunch of junior high school students learning Cartesian plotting and graphing in order to understand the mathematics of a parabolic curve. Further exploration of the curve led to the development of a design project called "Possibilities of the Parabola" within which the parabolic curve served as a foundation shape for the creation of three-dimensional aesthetic objects. The objects themselves were related to the concept of vessel. That is, a container, a receptacle, a holder of something. The students were not to lose sight of the parabola but rather, embed the curve into their designs. As the project progressed, they experienced the joy in making that was interconnected to their studies in mathematics.
Routledge eBooks, Jul 5, 2022
WORLD SCIENTIFIC eBooks, 2023
Proceedings of Bridges 2016: Mathematics, Music, Art, Architecture, Education, Culture, 2016
Our story involves a bunch of junior high school students learning Cartesian plotting and graphin... more Our story involves a bunch of junior high school students learning Cartesian plotting and graphing in order to understand the mathematics of a parabolic curve. Further exploration of the curve led to the development of a design project called "Possibilities of the Parabola" within which the parabolic curve served as a foundation shape for the creation of three-dimensional aesthetic objects. The objects themselves were related to the concept of vessel. That is, a container, a receptacle, a holder of something. The students were not to lose sight of the parabola but rather, embed the curve into their designs. As the project progressed, they experienced the joy in making that was interconnected to their studies in mathematics.
Creative Expression and Wellbeing in Higher Education, Jul 5, 2022
University of Technology, Sydney, 2021
This workshop presents a form of modular origami in which paper circles are folded, assembled and... more This workshop presents a form of modular origami in which paper circles are folded, assembled and glued together to form a chain. By using circles of gradually varying diameter, one can form an ammonite-like spiral or an attractive wearable garland. Creating and manipulating the aesthetic forms in the workshop provides participants with opportunities for investigation and discussion of numerous mathematical and STEM concepts, simultaneously reinforcing the value of art and design in trans-disciplinary knowledge building (STEAM). Folding is a great source for numerous nontrivial connections to be made between mathematics, engineering, art and design. The act of folding offers moments of contemplation and meditation through the challenge and joy of making.
Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 2021
This paper provides a perspective on how art and cross-cultural conversations can facilitate unde... more This paper provides a perspective on how art and cross-cultural conversations can facilitate understanding of important scientific processes, outcomes and conclusions, using the Marine Ecosystem Assessment for the Southern Ocean (MEASO) as a case study. First, we reflect on our rationale and approach, describing the importance of deeper communication, such as through the arts, to the policy process; more enduring decisions are possible by engaging and obtaining perspectives through more than just a utilitarian lens. Second, we draw on the LivingData Website [https://www.livingdata.net.au] where art in all its forms is made to bridge differences in knowledge systems and their values, provide examples of how Indigenous knowledge and Western science can be complementary, and how Indigenous knowledge can show the difference between historical natural environmental phenomena and current unnatural phenomena, including how the Anthropocene is disrupting cultural connections with the environ...
Transdisciplinary STEAM experiences often produce enhanced breakthrough moments where learning th... more Transdisciplinary STEAM experiences often produce enhanced breakthrough moments where learning thresholds are crossed and so-called curriculum boundaries broken. But what is STEAM? Why would we combine four knowledge areas: science, engineering, technology and math (STEM) into one acronym and add the ‘A’ to acknowledge interconnectivity with the Arts? We do this to reinforce connectedness in all its learning forms. Effective STEAM desegregates conceptual learning experiences and encourages a new form of 3R’s vocabulary to emerge as foundation for 21st and 22nd century knowledge and skills. Hungry Birds provides a splash of playful creativity in the vast sea of transdisciplinary learning potential. Hungry Birds is essentially a math-making experience, never losing sight of the complexity, beauty and elegance of its mathematical foundation.
Our story involves a bunch of junior high school students learning Cartesian plotting and graphin... more Our story involves a bunch of junior high school students learning Cartesian plotting and graphing in order to understand the mathematics of a parabolic curve. Further exploration of the curve led to the development of a design project called "Possibilities of the Parabola" within which the parabolic curve served as a foundation shape for the creation of three-dimensional aesthetic objects. The objects themselves were related to the concept of vessel. That is, a container, a receptacle, a holder of something. The students were not to lose sight of the parabola but rather, embed the curve into their designs. As the project progressed, they experienced the joy in making that was interconnected to their studies in mathematics.
Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Education
STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education has become a global agenda, with s... more STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education has become a global agenda, with schooling systems around the world in developed and developing countries seeking to incorporate STEM programs into their in-school and out-of-school curricula. While disciplinary integration has been common practice in primary (elementary) schooling for many decades, in the early 21st century the STEM education movement has promoted an increased focus on project- and problem-based learning across disciplines in secondary schools as well. Research suggests, however, that STEM education programs can face barriers in their implementation, often depending on whether they are designed to align with existing curriculum outcomes or whether they are developed as cocurricular programs. Challenges are also presented by the need for professional learning to equip teachers with new skills and knowledge in designing and delivering STEM education. In addition, some researchers and educators have argued...
Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 2021
This paper provides a perspective on how art and cross-cultural conversations can facilitate unde... more This paper provides a perspective on how art and cross-cultural conversations can facilitate understanding of important scientific processes, outcomes and conclusions, using the Marine Ecosystem Assessment for the Southern Ocean (MEASO) as a case study. First, we reflect on our rationale and approach, describing the importance of deeper communication, such as through the arts, to the policy process; more enduring decisions are possible by engaging and obtaining perspectives through more than just a utilitarian lens. Second, we draw on the LivingData Website [https://www.livingdata.net.au] where art in all its forms is made to bridge differences in knowledge systems and their values, provide examples of how Indigenous knowledge and Western science can be complementary, and how Indigenous knowledge can show the difference between historical natural environmental phenomena and current unnatural phenomena, including how the Anthropocene is disrupting cultural connections with the environment
that ultimately impact everyone. Lastly, we document the non-linear process of our experience and draw lessons from it that can guide deeper communication between disciples and cultures, to potentially benefit decision-making. Our perspective is derived as a collective from diverse backgrounds, histories, knowledge systems and values.
Books by Melissa Silk
Oxford Encyclopedia of Education Research, 2021
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education has become a global agenda, with s... more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education has become a global agenda, with schooling systems around the world seeking to incorporate STEM programs into their in-school and out-of-school curricula. While disciplinary integration has been common practice in primary (elementary) schooling for decades, the STEM education movement has more recently promoted an increased focus on project-and problem-based learning across disciplines in secondary schools. Research suggests, however, that STEM education programs can face barriers in their implementation, often depending on whether they are designed to align with existing curriculum outcomes or whether they are developed as co-curricular programs. In addition, some researchers and educators have argued for STEAM – integration of the Arts in STEM education.
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Thesis Chapters by Melissa Silk
Conference Presentations by Melissa Silk
Papers by Melissa Silk
that ultimately impact everyone. Lastly, we document the non-linear process of our experience and draw lessons from it that can guide deeper communication between disciples and cultures, to potentially benefit decision-making. Our perspective is derived as a collective from diverse backgrounds, histories, knowledge systems and values.
Books by Melissa Silk
that ultimately impact everyone. Lastly, we document the non-linear process of our experience and draw lessons from it that can guide deeper communication between disciples and cultures, to potentially benefit decision-making. Our perspective is derived as a collective from diverse backgrounds, histories, knowledge systems and values.