When science met art in local elementary school classrooms this year something magical happened: The kids had fun learning about the water cycle and linear perspective. 

And according to Ashland Elementary School teacher Andrew Jacks "integrating the subjects provides a better understanding and saves time for the teachers."

That's the idea behind the Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory's "Arts on the Go" program. In its sixth year, the program created by Center for the Arts staff with the help of business sponsors and academic staff in the area, provided four large "self-contained interactive exhibit" modules to travel to over 40 area schools this year. 

"We are pleased to be able to reach out to many more school children than ever this year," said Sally Lay, Executive Director for the Center for the Arts and the Candy Factory.

Each participating school had access to a module, which measures about 6.5' high by 12' wide, and teaching materials and instructions for 10 days. 

Students at Ashland Elementary School received the weather module, which inspired fifth grader Spencer Longi to create her western-themed landscape drawing complete with ice cream mountains and a chocolate lake. But be careful, the fifth grader warned, "It's hot out west and these mountains might melt."

Other students included tornadoes, tumble weeds and storm clouds to illustrate 'weather' out west. The assignment also introduced art concepts, including vanishing theme, horizon line, perspective (background, foreground, middleground) and landscape.

"Our goal is to enrich the curriculum by adding an artistic element and giving students creative hands-on activities to complement science lessons they are learning in the classroom," Lay added. 

Schools interested in the Arts on the Go program for next year should contact  the Center for the Arts at info@center-for-the-arts.org or 703-330-2787.

The modules were designed by DK Stewart, Dr. Eric Vasey and Thomas Hannon. Lisa Keen, art teacher at Ashland Elementary School, and Jill Hanlon provided academic support for the program. Program sponsors include United Way of the National Capital Area, Lockheed Martin MS2, Micron Technology Foundation, SPARK, BB&T, NOVEC, Minnieland Private Day School, Inc. & BAE Systems