I am just now recovering from last week’s Art of Science Learning conference in San Diego. For something that lasted just one-and-a-half days, there was an almost overwhelming amount of great presentations, great information sharing and exchange, and — above all — great people dedicated to moving the idea of the Art of Science Learning forward.
When I first made plans to attend, I did so as an observer. However, soon after the presentations began on the first morning of the conference, I became an active and engaged participant. Each presentation provided me with a deeper understanding of the innovation gap in our nation today — a gap that threatens our ability to compete on a global stage — and the need to ensure that the arts are a key part of our educational equation moving forward.
The challenge is huge, but I am convinced that each of us can make a difference. Already, two breakout groups that I am aware of have scheduled their first meetings in San Diego to continue to advance the conference agenda.
And I am personally committed to doing the same. In my role as Associate Editor of Leader to Leader magazine, I will invite thought leaders to write articles about how the creative arts can improve worker creativity and innovation. And in my upcoming role teaching a class in creativity and innovation at San Diego State University this fall, I will ensure that the arts play a major role in my syllabus. Finally, I will continue to network and make connections with others — both in and out of the Art of Science Learning community — to continue to move the agenda forward.
And like the star thrower in Loren Eiseley’s story, I’ll continue to try to make a difference. One starfish — and one step — at a time.
