March is recognized nationwide as Youth Arts Month, a time to celebrate the vital role that arts education plays in shaping well-rounded students. Across the Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP) network of six neighborhood conversion charter schools, the arts are woven into learning year-round, reinforcing the importance of creativity in a comprehensive education.
Arts education—whether visual, literary, or performing—serves as a cornerstone for developing essential life skills. Through artistic expression, students enhance their problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, creativity, observation, and communication. Research consistently highlights the benefits of arts education, showing that students who engage in the arts achieve higher grades, perform better on standardized tests, and are more likely to attend school regularly and graduate. The arts also offer an inclusive space where all students, regardless of background, can find a voice and build confidence.
In the spirit of Youth Arts Month, we want to highlight how BCP schools are preparing future leaders by fostering artistic expression today. One exemplary initiative at Wolfe Street Academy showcases the powerful integration of art and mathematics, demonstrating how interdisciplinary learning enriches student understanding.
Merging Math and Art in the Classroom
At Wolfe Street Academy, 5th grade students are exploring the deep connections between mathematical principles and artistic expression. This interdisciplinary approach not only enhances their understanding of geometry but also fosters creativity and problem-solving skills, helping them see the relevance of math beyond the classroom.
The unit begins with an exploration of polygons in art. Students create vibrant polygon hearts using analogous colors, reinforcing their understanding of geometric shapes while discovering how these forms serve as fundamental building blocks in artistic design. This hands-on activity makes abstract math concepts more tangible and engaging.
Currently, students are delving into the concept of two-point perspective, a technique pioneered during the Renaissance by mathematician and architect Filippo Brunelleschi. By studying how Renaissance artists used mathematical precision to create depth and realism, students gain insight into the historical evolution of artistic techniques. They compare the flat, symbolic art of the Middle Ages with the lifelike compositions of the Renaissance, recognizing how mathematical advancements transformed artistic representation. As a practical application, students are creating their own two-point perspective drawings of a Rubik’s Cube, honing their spatial awareness and technical drawing skills.
he unit will conclude with an exploration of parabolic curves, an artistic challenge that demonstrates the surprising presence of curves within linear structures. Using only a ruler, students will construct intricate curved designs, reinforcing the intersection of mathematical concepts and artistic creativity.
As we celebrate Youth Arts Month, we reaffirm our commitment to providing students with meaningful arts education experiences that go beyond traditional instruction. At BCP schools, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to explore, create, and discover—because today’s young artists are tomorrow’s leaders.
