Ready, Set, Resilience partners with Museum of Life and Science for middle school art showcase
Middle school students from across North Carolina displayed original shadow puppet performances, marine debris art, and poetry at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham. The events, held in March 2025 and March 2026, were part of the Ready, Set, Resilience curriculum developed by Duke University and NC State University. The collaboration also involved Duke's Bass Connections service-learning course, where college students supported teachers and helped plan community days. Liz DeMattia, Director of the Community Science Initiative at Duke, praised the partnership for connecting students with families and professional educators. The 2026 event included a temporary exhibit during Durham's Creek Week and a puppet parade featuring characters from Bend in the Wind fables.
Key facts
- Ready, Set, Resilience is a middle school curriculum hosted by Duke University and NC State University.
- The curriculum uses nature as a model to teach resilience and integrates arts-based learning.
- Community Science Initiative at Duke University and Museum of Life and Science collaborated on the project starting in 2024.
- In March 2025, the Museum hosted a community day with student shadow puppet performances, marine debris art, and poetry.
- In March 2026, two days of programming included a temporary exhibit during Durham's Creek Week.
- The 2026 event featured a puppet parade with characters from Bend in the Wind fables.
- Duke's Bass Connections program involved students in the Fostering Climate Resilience through Education and Arts course.
- Liz DeMattia is Director of Community Science Initiative at Duke University.
Entities
Artists
- Torry Bend
Institutions
- Museum of Life and Science
- Duke University
- NC State University
- Community Science Initiative
- Bass Connections
- Keep Durham Beautiful
Locations
- Durham
- North Carolina
- United States