How can the arts be integrated into core subjects like math and science?
Integrating the Arts Across the Curriculum: Creative Approaches to Core Subjects
As schools aim to deepen student learning, increase engagement, and support whole-child development, one powerful strategy continues to gain momentum: arts integration.
Far from being a separate silo, the arts, visual, performing, and media, can enhance learning across all disciplines. When integrated thoughtfully, they breathe new life into core subjects like math, science, language arts, and social studies.
Let’s explore what arts integration looks like in real classrooms and how any educator can start using it today.
What Is Arts Integration?
Arts integration is the practice of teaching and assessing content from two disciplines simultaneously, one being an art form and the other a core subject.
According to The Kennedy Center, true arts integration:
Connects an art form and another subject area
Meets objectives in both areas
Encourages active engagement and deep learning
In short, students aren’t just drawing for fun, they’re learning science through drawing, expressing math through movement, or writing music to retell historical events.
Why Integrate the Arts into Core Curriculum?
Improved Academic Understanding
Students who learn through the arts retain more information, understand concepts at a deeper level, and make meaningful connections.
Boosted Engagement and Motivation
Artistic tasks naturally boost student interest and participation, especially for those who may struggle with traditional instruction.
Whole-Child Development
Integrating the arts supports emotional growth, cultural awareness, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.
A vivid tapestry of color and pattern, symbolizing the creative fusion of art with the precision of math
Real Examples of Arts Integration by Grade Level
Let’s look at how teachers at different grade levels are bringing the arts into math and science classrooms, with creativity and impact.
Elementary School: Building Foundations Through Creativity
Math Through Music
Activity: Rhythm Fractions - Students clap, stomp, or use percussion instruments to represent different fractions (e.g., whole note = 1, half note = 1/2). | Skill Reinforced: Fraction equivalency, pattern recognition. | Why It Works: Connects abstract numbers to physical actions and sound.
Science Through Drawing
Activity: Weather Wheel Mural - Students illustrate different weather conditions and label them with vocabulary (e.g., precipitation, evaporation, condensation). | Skill Reinforced: Weather concepts, scientific observation. | Why It Works: Supports early learners in building schema and making visual connections.
Middle School: Enhancing Complexity Through Collaboration
Science Through Theater
Activity: "Cell City" Skit - Students act out the parts of a cell (nucleus, mitochondria, membrane) using a city metaphor. | Skill Reinforced: Cellular structure and function. | Why It Works: Abstract scientific ideas become concrete and memorable.
Math Through Visual Art
Activity: Tessellation Tile Design - Students study the work of M.C. Escher, then create geometric tessellation art using repeated shapes. | Skill Reinforced: Geometry, symmetry, transformation. | Why It Works: Promotes spatial reasoning and mathematical language.
High School: Deepening Mastery and Expression
Physics Through Music
Activity: Soundwave Composition - Students compose a short piece of music and analyze its properties (wavelength, frequency, amplitude). | Skill Reinforced: Sound energy, wave theory. | Why It Works: Combines creative expression with scientific analysis.
Algebra Through Digital Art
Activity: Graphing Art Project - Using graphing software or calculators, students plot equations to generate a design or image (e.g., hearts, butterflies). | Skill Reinforced: Linear and quadratic functions, coordinate systems. | Why It Works: Turns abstract equations into visual meaning.
How to Start with Arts Integration (No Art Degree Required)
You don’t need to be an artist to begin using the arts in your teaching. Start with simple, accessible strategies:
1. Start with Your Learning Objective
Ask: What is the key concept I want students to understand?
Then ask: Is there a creative way they can demonstrate or explore that concept?
2. Use Artistic Formats as Assessment
Instead of just a quiz, try:
A sculpture showing a science process
A rap song explaining a math rule
A comic strip retelling a historical event
3. Invite Collaboration
Let students work in teams to brainstorm, create, and revise. The creative process builds communication and critical thinking skills.
4. Tap into Local Resources
Partner with teaching artists, museums, or online platforms that provide lesson plans and rubrics tailored to arts integration.
Common Questions About Arts Integration
“Will it take too much time?”
Not necessarily. Start with short warm-ups or exit tasks. Even a 10-minute drawing activity can spark deeper thinking.
“Does it work for students with special needs?”
Yes! Arts-based learning supports multiple intelligences and provides multiple entry points for all learners, including ELLs and students with IEPs.
“How do I assess it?”
Use rubrics that balance creativity with content knowledge. Assess clarity, effort, application of the academic concept, and originality.
Suggested Tools and Resources
The Kennedy Center - Lesson plans for arts integration
STEAM Powered Family - Cross-curricular projects
Smithsonian Learning Lab - Art-infused resources for history and science
The Art of Education University - PD and resources for art educators and generalists
Final Thoughts: Creativity Belongs in Every Subject
Integrating the arts into math and science isn’t about adding fluff, it’s about enriching learning in powerful, research-backed ways. When students use their hands, voices, and imaginations to explore complex concepts, they don’t just memorize, they understand, retain, and own the knowledge. It’s time to blur the lines between disciplines and let creativity guide the way.
Quick Start Checklist for Arts Integration
Identify one upcoming math or science unit
Choose one artistic method (music, drawing, movement, drama)
Plan a short creative task or assessment
Reflect on student engagement and understanding
Repeat and refine!
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