Space Art w edukacji przyrodniczej

Abstract

Today, the aesthetic value of natural science is a heavily stressed factor that creates a sense of similarity between sciences and humanities (due to: 1. harmony, symmetry and logic of physical theories, and 2. beauty of natural phenomena). Natural philosophy is sometimes seen as aesthetic in nature (e.g. G. Böhme). Sciences explore areas inaccessible to pre-scientific experience and expand the concept of the human environment to space: both 1. outer and 2. microscopic. As a result, sciences affect different ideas on the notion of magnitude. Space art – an art trend represented e.g. by Ch. Bonestell, R. Miller – eneavours to show the aesthetic aspect of objects in the Universe. Its inspiration is the development of science, especially cognitive achievements in astronomy (astrophysics). This idea is similar to the understanding of man as a homo cosmicus and aims at exploring space on different scales. Many creators and consumers of science are interested in space art. They often use natural philosophy understood aesthetically rather than epistemologically. Space art painters cooperate with popular scientific magazines, create film scenery, book illlustrations and science fiction games. Some artistic creations of the Universe (e.g. the surface of planets, moons) are prognostic models. The article discusses the usefulness of space art in school science education. The demand for space art is associated with: 1. emotional interests of young people; 2. building a sense of unity between sciences and humanities; 3. using modern imaging technology.