Grosse Pointe Shores, MI, USA
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Opening March 10 in the Teague Gallery, we welcome the incredible work of University Liggett School students from Miss Nicole Beaudry’s kindergarten class, who explored how cars are made and designed.
On display will be the phenomenal car creations conceptualized by the students. This exhibit is free to visitors and will be on display March 10 through May 29, 2023.
The exhibit is the result of the school’s Project Work, which builds context and connection between students and new information. For example, collaboration happens often between classroom academics and art class, making for a more meaningful experience for the student. This same level of integration between “knowing” and “doing” occurs in other Lower School academic focus areas, like music, physical education and technology.
HOW DID THIS PROJECT COME ABOUT?
In the first week of school, Miss Beaudry observed the children playing with Matchbox and Hotwheels cars, comparing the designs to find the “coolest” cars. The students were also propelling cars off the furniture, so there was interest in the aerodynamics of cars, as well. Based on this the class started exploring the body styles of cars. Because car bodies can be difficult for five and six-year-olds to conceptualize, Miss Beaudry started by talking with them about different types of shapes and looking at different shapes of vehicles.
The class continued to focus on the shapes in car design by thinking about their vehicle in 3-D versus a 2-D drawing. They were encouraged to think about how they could draw shapes to make the body of their car. This involved discussions about symmetry and proportion. When the students printed their drawings, it would be easier for them to think about changes they might make. All of these provocations are an important part of Project Work; the teacher is there to help the children discover, not to teach the students a specific subject matter.
After all of their hard – and fun – work, the students were ready to present their creations to the public! They held their own “Auto Show” at school to display their creations in different states of rendering – 3D printing, clay and 2D drawings – to parents, teachers, partners and media.
Now you can enjoy their creativity when you visit the Teague Gallery inside the Visitor Center at Ford House March 10 through May 29, 2023.
SPECIAL THANKS
Ford Design
Bob Galen: Design Resource Manager
Andrew Fulford: Design Operation
Mike Smith: Digital Design, R&D Manger
Ross Aqualina, John O’Conner, Steve Hartwig: Clay Modelers
College of Creative Studies
Don Tuski: President
Shannon McPartlon: Executive Director, Office of Partnerships
Paul Snyder: Chairperson, Transportation Design Department
Jason White: Assistant Professor
Autoweek
Wes Raynal: Editor and Writer
Stahl Family and Stahl Automotive Collective
Jody Ingle
University Liggett School
Mike Medvinsky: Dean of Pedagogy and Innovation
Nicole Beaudry: Kindergarten Teacher
