OSU student Brown brings art into STEM with dance-inspired senior project

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Media Contact: Elizabeth Gosney | CAS Marketing and Communications Manager | 405-744-7497 | egosney@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University arts administration student Leah Brown is using her background in dance to integrate art into the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, turning the well-known acronym STEM into STEAM.

“For my senior project, I've developed an educational tour ... designed for children ages 5 to 10,” said Brown, adding that the tour will take place at Oklahoma’s Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum. “The whole point of the tour is to explore technological innovation and the way of life during the industrial revolution. I plan to do that through dance and movement.” 

Brown, who works as a historical interpreter at the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum, is passionate about merging her multiple passions: history, dance and STEM. One of the tour's standout features is its hands-on approach to learning, where historical technology is brought to life through movement. 

“Take a washboard for example,” Brown said. “During the tour we will look at the washboard and understand how it moves and works. Once we see that motion, we will then teach the kids a dance that mimics the motion of the washboard, helping them understand how it works.”  

The project is not only an interactive experience, but it also highlights major technological advancements from the Industrial Revolution to promote an understanding of how each advancement differs from the past model.  

“We look at a chuck wagon, the different parts like the axle and the wheel. Then we talk about it compared to the axles and wheels on cars today,” Brown said. 

This unique combination of history, dance and STEM has garnered attention from OSU faculty and peers.  

“Leah’s project is unique, as dance, history and science are not usually combined.” said Christina Elliott, OSU visiting assistant professor of arts administration within the Department of Theatre. “Using movement and dance to activate historical objects and engage students is very innovative.” 

Brown’s educational tour will be open to the public Saturday, Nov. 2 and close Tuesday, Nov. 5.  

“I hope that not only is the tour educational, but I want it to be fun,” Brown said. "I want it to be something that they'll remember forever, something new and memorable.” 

For more information on how you can visit Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum and attend the educational tour, visit the Oklahoma Historical Society website.

Story By: Kierstin Pigg, graduate assistant | kierstin.pigg@okstate.edu