In her doctoral dissertation, Xiaowei Zhang, MFA, explores how integrating art and science through natural materials can support children’s creativity, scientific understanding, and ecological awareness. Her research demonstrates how everyday materials, such as bilberries, snow, and recycled paper, can become valuable resources for interdisciplinary learning.

What happens when children use bilberries to explore colours, observe changes in snow, or transform recycled paper into artistic creations? Xiaowei Zhang’s doctoral dissertation shows how these experiences connect artistic expression with scientific inquiry, encouraging children to explore natural phenomena through experimentation and imagination.

The research was conducted through three interconnected cycles of Art-Based Action Research (ABAR) in China and Northern Finland, primarily focusing on primary education in Rovaniemi. Children participated in chemical experiments, painting, storytelling, and outdoor artistic activities, exploring changes in colours, forms, and material properties.

The findings show that material exploration provides common ground for artistic and scientific learning. Through experimentation and creative expression, children developed their observations, raised questions, and interpreted scientific phenomena in different ways.

“Art and science offer different but interconnected ways of exploring the world. When children experiment with materials and express their observations through art, learning becomes a process of discovery, imagination, and reflection,” Zhang explains.

The research also highlights the role of local environments in interdisciplinary education. In Northern Finland, seasonal conditions and natural materials supported children’s sensory experiences and ecological understanding. Activities involving forests and recycled papermaking encouraged pupils to reflect on natural resources, environmental processes, and their relationships with nature.

Art can play a more active role in interdisciplinary learning

The dissertation contributes to ongoing discussions about creativity, sustainability, and the role of arts education in schools. Although interdisciplinary learning is increasingly encouraged in education, artistic practices are sometimes treated mainly as tools for illustrating scientific knowledge.

Zhang’s research suggests that art can play a more active role in the learning process. Artistic exploration allows children to interpret scientific phenomena through sensory experiences, material experimentation, and personal expression, creating opportunities for different forms of knowledge to develop together.

“Artistic creation plays an important role in how children investigate materials, formulate questions, and develop their understanding of scientific phenomena and the world around them,” Zhang notes.

The findings offer practical possibilities for teachers and educational institutions. By using accessible materials and locally relevant natural phenomena, teachers can design learning activities that connect scientific observation with artistic experimentation. Such approaches can be adapted to different school environments as long as teaching objectives, available resources, and pupils’ needs are carefully considered. The research also emphasises the value of collaboration between schools, universities, and science education centres in developing experimental teaching practices.

Information on the public examination

The academic doctoral dissertation Art–Science Education: Material Engagement and Learning through Art–Chemistry Integration by Xiaowei Zhang, MFA, will be publicly examined in the Faculty of Art and Design at the University of Lapland on Friday 20 November 2026 starting at 12 noon (UTC +2) in Mauri Hall (F1027, the main building of the University of Lapland, F wing, address: Yliopistonkatu 8, Rovaniemi, Finland).

The opponent is Senior University Lecturer Seija Kairavuori from the University of Helsinki and the custos is Professor Mirja Hiltunen from the University of Lapland.

The language of the event is English. The public defence can be followed online via livestream at https://blogi.eoppimispalvelut.fi/ulapland2/.

Information on the doctoral candidate

Xiaowei Zhang is researcher in art education specialising in interdisciplinary approaches that integrate visual arts and science. Her research focuses on material engagement, creativity, ecological understanding, and experimental pedagogical practices.

Before pursuing her doctoral studies at the University of Lapland, Zhang worked at Central South University in China. She has also studied at the University of the Arts Helsinki. Her doctoral research has involved collaboration with schools, teachers, and science education organisations in Finland and China.

Further information

Xiaowei Zhang
Email: xiaowei.zhang (at) ulapland.fi

Information on the publication

Xiaowei Zhang: Art–Science Education: Material Engagement and Learning through Art–Chemistry Integration. Acta electronica Universitatis Lapponiensis 453. ISBN 978-952-337-586-4. University of Lapland, 2026, Rovaniemi.

Permanent address of the publication: https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-337-586-4