How Do We Communicate

This chapter examines our modes of imparting or exchanging facts and opinions. After discussion of the role of electromagnetic waves in our sensory perception, further text describes the ways we and other living beings gain information through the senses, especially when enhanced with technology. Finally, communication between people, with computers, and with other living things is described, especially when animal communication involves senses unavailable to human beings. Emphasis is put on visual communication, some basic notions about semantics, and also visualization techniques and domains. Basic art concepts, elements of design in art, and principles of design in art serve as background information, followed by learning projects.

Looking at Nature from the Perspective of Physical Sciences

This chapter of the book looks at the structure of our environment, including our bodies, by examining the wide spectrum of dimensions of objects. Themes discussed provide some general information about concepts of data, information, and knowledge; dimensions of objects and the ways to look on and interpret them; ways to watch events and how they depend on various factors, especially within a nano-world. These issues are further examined with reference to our bodies and microbes that used to inhabit or attack us. Discussion involves materials such as soft matter, liquid crystals, and colloids, and then events occurring as waves in the quantum world, including the very beginnings of the universe, processes going now in nature, and plans concerning Mars colonization in the near future. Further text tells about carbon in its various forms, dimensions, existing reservoirs, and its role in living organisms.

Inquiries about Art and Graphics

In this chapter, discussion pertains to the current tendencies driven from the developments in computing, technology, and communication media, which inevitably have a strong effect on art creation and the ways of its installation. The text comprises discussion about some tendencies in producing images in connection with technology-induced opportunities and requests. There is a strong impact of technology and social networking on approaches to creating art graphics, while programming and computing serve as tools for art generation and installation at digital art forums and exhibitions. Discussion focuses on cognition in art, abstract thinking in art and science, and also the creative thinking in contrast to the critical thinking. As a consequence, there is a need to update current formats of doctoral studies and doctoral degrees in art, so the further text puts forward a proposition of developing a comprehensive curriculum for a doctoral program.

Inquiries About Cognitive Thinking

This chapter of the book is about cognitive processes and the ways they are related to learning and creating. The text discusses how scientific concepts can be translated to the realm of mental imagery and visual thinking and how solutions inspired by nature and science-based issues support developing sensitivity and the use of original ideas in our work. Because cognition and learning may not be limited to humans, the text examines some mental operations in animals. On the other hand, the text discusses how the science- and technology-related producers might enhance their imagination and problem solving with graphical thinking and visual literacy.

Active Learning Aimed at Visual Development

This chapter is about possible ways to engage students in active participation and find ways to secure that good grade means not only a good memorization for tests but also a good understanding of the course content. The text describes active learning, which may happen through sketching, depicting processes and products, and finally creating a visual message often constructed in a color-coded metaphorical way. Each project is related to a selected subject area, but the solution of the project can be seen as the specific type of the art. Developing good writing skills is required to create a storyline/storytelling that contains a development of action leading to a conclusion. Projects integrating science and art may be provided in the form of an unending, looped animation, video, or many other containers. Artists have always actively participated in events and resulting changes in societies. Developments in technologies, especially in computing, have strong impact on the ways artists create and thus contribute to cultural and social life.

Bringing Learning and Teaching up to Date

This chapter of the book examines first various viewpoints about teaching and learning and then focuses on current ways of instruction with the use of social networking. Further text concentrates on instruction in art based on science and technology and then offers curricular postulates about building this kind of teaching and learning philosophy through engaging students in cognitive learning activities. Further text tells about learning with computing. Types of online instruction are described with the use of private network and social networking. The chapter concludes with postulates suggesting inclusion into the school curricula several actions aimed at strengthening the curricular program: iterative and integrative learning, building mathematical foundation, supporting linguistic aptitudes, using visualization techniques, coding, introducing programming, and games that hone cognitive abilities.