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Connecting Kids to Our World

Art & Science Fusion is an enrichment program for pre-K kids and kindergartners at four schools in Davis, California.

One afternoon a week, Mary Kaltenbach engages young children in some super-fun science combined with artistic expression.

Ms. Mary, as she’s affectionately known to the kids, draws out their creative spirit as they gain an appreciation of nature.

“Wonder…leads to Curiosity…leads to information… leads to responsibility… leads to action.”
— Rachel Carson from her book,
‘The Sense of Wonder’

How the Program Works

Our program is tied to the seasons of the year. Seasonal themes are introduced through picture books, followed by a time for sharing ideas.

As the children create art projects related to each theme, Ms. Mary presents such concepts as line, shape, form, scale, texture, and contrast. The kids have so much fun, they don’t realize how much they’re learning.

Ms. Mary also teaches art techniques, including brushwork, painting wet on wet, color mixing, ceramics, papier-mache, and mixed media. All fun!

Each season culminates with a group art show. Optional family field trips round out the program.

Every class ends with a song and a high-five or a hug!

Class Locations and Times

Children enrolled in the program gather in the Art Atrium Areas at the schools with the teacher according to the following schedule:

• La Rue Park
  Wednesdays 9 am
  

• Russell Park
  Wednesdays 2:30 pm
  

• Montessori Country Day—2
  Tuesdays 10 am
  

• Montessori Country Day—1
  Tuesdays 2:30
  

• Note: If a class falls on a school holiday, the other classes in the month will be 20 minutes longer to make up the time.

What Students Gain in This Program

Ms. Mary believes that if children draw or paint what they are learning about, they will learn much more quickly and retain the information longer. She uses the wonderful illustrations in the picture books as a way of fostering an appreciation for nature and a love of creative expression.

Children come out of her classes with:

• Increased awareness of and interest in observing the beauty of nature and their relationship to it

• An understanding of artistic tools and techniques

• A desire to expand on their new skills and new awareness

Above all, Ms. Mary loves fostering children’s natural curiosity and enthusiasm. You may hear your child saying “Wow” a lot after her classes.