TFS Eighth Graders Explore the Intersection of Art and Science at Atlanta’s High Museum

Tallulah Falls School eighth graders recently spent the day at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, exploring how art and science intersect through a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) lens.

During the visit, students toured the museum with a retired art educator who highlighted STEAM connections throughout the galleries. One memorable moment came when students lay on the museum floor to look up at the ceiling, learning how it was engineered to diffuse natural light without damaging the artwork. “That was a favorite part for me,” said eighth grader Kinley Blinn.

Students also explored exhibits featuring fashion, Greek sculptures, Renaissance paintings, and a chair design showcase, where they sketched and shared their own creative chair concepts.

The group participated in a hands-on STEAM workshop, using cardboard and toothpicks to design model communities and apply real-world engineering and collaboration skills. “We were learning how to problem-solve and collaborate,” one student explained.

Science teacher Heather Henriques, who helped organize the trip, noted the educational and cultural value of the experience. “A lot of students had never been to an art museum before, so it was a whole new experience for them,” said Henriques.

Students reflected on their favorite parts of the day:

• Zac Bonner: “The Greek sculptures — the amount of work to make them out of stone.”
• Olivia Powell: “The fashion exhibit had eclectic dresses, unique ones you wouldn’t see day to day. And I liked the European art. It’s impressive how they could paint and sculpt people so realistically.”
• Madyx Price: “There were a lot of old paintings from the Renaissance era. I liked how realistic they were.”
• Javier Crespo Nuevo: “I liked the chair exhibit.” 
• Cadence Beecher: “There was a pink dress with gray patches that was really cool.” 

The trip provided a meaningful opportunity for students to engage with art, design, and science in new ways — a day filled with creativity, curiosity, and connections

between art and science.