Living Design Studio

Henry C. Lea Elementary School After School Program

Henry C. Lea Elementary School After-School Program

Grades: 3-5

Nature offers proven solutions to complex problems. Inspired by the fields biomimicry and biodesign, students will study living systems to inspire ideas at the intersection of science, art, and design. Each session is structured as a hands-on studio inquiry, beginning with a brief concept overview, followed by studio time with real materials, peer sharing, and iteration.

Spring 2026

Designer: Jenny Li

Volunteers: Kayla Lin, Brian Herman, Samantha Pierce, Zey Oral, Angela Le, Minwoo Jeong

Observation in art & science

Students will be introduced to the goals of the BioArt Lab and the structure of the program as a living studio. They will explore why combining artistic and scientific ways of observing strengthens communication and environmental awareness.

Functions & form

Students studied how the form of various organisms impacts the function and adaptability in natural selection.

Algae bioyarn

Students experimented with learning to mix and make biodegradable yarn with sodium alginate.

Color-changing natural paints

Students will explore natural dyeing by extracting pigments from plants and food-based materials and applying them through creating paints.

Bioplastic suncatchers

Students explored sustainable materials by learning how material structure influences function, a key concept that connects living and designed systems.

Sunprints

Students experimented with learning to mix and make biodegradable yarn with sodium alginate.

Made possible with our collaboration with the Netter Center for Community Partnerships.