Past Learning Cases

BIG IDEAS Digital Learning Cases describe the what, how, and when of past projects of BIG IDEAS in-School. Project reflections from teachers, artists and learners are documented as evidence on how the unit of study open inquiry or create cross–curricular learning opportunity. Learners and teachers are asked to reflect on ways they have grown as a learner or professionally.

Learning Cases

2017 Making Global Connection

Vancouver Biennale’s BIG IDEAS Education invites cross-curricular project proposals that focus on the theme of global connections throughout the entire inquiry learning process. Successful submissions should articulate clear and significant common concerns, community challenges, social issues or aspirations that communities across the globe may share. The inquiry process will focus on a specific Biennale art installation(s) that inspires the BIG IDEAS project. Participants are encouraged to link with schools in other countries if possible. During a field trip (or BIG IDEAS Anywhere1 virtual tour) to the art installation(s) being studied participants are encouraged to explore specific aspects of the community around it and compare/contrast to another community(s) being studied in a different part of the world.

2016 Art as a Catalyst for Learning

Vancouver Biennale’s BIG IDEAS Education invites cross-curricular project proposals that demonstrate how art is a catalyst for learning throughout the entire project-based learning process. Successful submissions should articulate clear and direct linkages to specific Biennale art installation(s) that inspire the BIG IDEAS project, guiding questions, inquiry challenges, and art-infused creations. Submissions should also consider exploring specific aspects of the community around the art installation(s) that are relevant to the project theme as part of the field trip.

2015 Learning without Borders

Inspired by the 2014-2016 exhibition theme Open Borders / Crossroads Vancouver, teachers were invited to create projects that would aim to open up existing borders in the learning process or to open up borders in language, religion, ethnicity, nation, and Indigeneity. The project-based learning approach focus on the development of students’ communication and thinking skills, personal and social competencies. In 2015, 22 local professional artists have been placed in 68 classes across 7 school districts through the Vancouver Biennale BIG IDEAS artist collaborator grants.

2014 Cross-Curricular Challenge

Based on the 2014-2016 exhibition theme: Open Borders / Crossroads Vancouver, teachers were invited to either create their own project or bigger, collaborative cross-curricular projects with their colleagues. Projects cover a diverse range of topics including ecosystems, cultural diversity, science or emotional wellness with links to all curriculum areas. In 2014, 17 talented local interdisciplinary artists and 4 subject matter experts were placed in 51 classes across 7 school districts through the Vancouver Biennale BIG IDEAS artist collaborator grants. Three feature project videos were produced exploring the journey through the entire BIG IDEAS project-based learning process.

2013 Arts in Action Series

The program inspires students to lead positive personal and social changes through collaboration within the local learning communities. In 2013, 20 talented local interdisciplinary artists were placed in 35 classrooms across five school districts through the Vancouver Biennale BIG IDEAS artist collaborator grants.

2012 Performance Series

The Vancouver Biennale took dance, music, drama and poetry to the streets to celebrate 2012 BC Arts and Culture and National Dance Week. An unprecedented lineup of 28 outdoor BIG IDEAS performances over eight consecutive days included 800 performers ranging from Grade 2 students to professionals.