CCA launched the Exploring Science in the Studio pilot program in 2011, offering a set of interdisciplinary thematic studios, called Sci-Studios, in the college's principal areas of study--architecture, design, fine arts, humanities and sciences, and diversity studies--allowing faculty to embed guest scientists directly into the studio courses.
As the recipient of a 2012 grant from The National Science Foundation (NSF), one of largest awards made to an art and design college, CCA was able to expand the Exploring Science in the Studio initiative to include two other initiatives in addition to the Sci-Studio Courses.
The grant enabled the creation of Mobile Units for Science Exploration (MUSE) that allow instructors to bring science equipment directly into the studios. The MUSE provide a replicable model for bringing science instructional materials and equipment directly into classrooms at colleges that do not have stand-alone science departments or facilities.
Lastly, the NSF’s Exploring Science in the Studio grant supported the 2015 AICAD Symposium, which brought educational partners from around the country together to address the theme “Exploring Science in the Studio” in hopes that changing science curriculum at art and design colleges will continue to provide more meaningful opportunities for students to expand their scientific literacy.