Opening Hours
Daily: 10 A.M.–5 P.M.
Closed on Tuesdays
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108
Information for Educators
Explore art that has been specifically created to deepen understandings of the human body, the natural world, and the visible universe. Explore artworks in the fields of medicine, natural history, and astronomy from The Huntington’s History of Science collection.
The objects in this unit span from the early 17th century to the mid-20th century and reflect The Huntington’s focus on collecting European and American art. For a broader overview of the history of science, teachers can view educational videos on the Crash Course YouTube channel History of Science.
Science: The systematic study of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation.
Technology: 1) The practical application of scientific knowledge to make objects. 2) The objects made by applying scientific knowledge.
Definitions adapted from the Oxford English DictionaryEssential Questions
How have people in the past used art to convey their understanding of the human body, the natural world, and the universe?
How can analyzing historical artworks help us understand the scientific knowledge of the past?
How can we use art to express our scientific understandings?
Key Understandings
Science and technology are affected by the culture in which they are created, and new discoveries can affect cultural understandings.
Observation and imagination are essential to scientific exploration and the expression of scientific ideas.
Science is an inquiry process, and it is always changing with new discoveries, new technologies, and new procedures.
Supported Standards
Common Core ELA
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.7 Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.1 Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.9 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1 Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
National Core Arts Standards
- NCAS Anchor Standard 1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
- NCAS Anchor Standard 2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
- NCAS Anchor Standard 3 Refine and complete artistic work.
- NCAS Anchor Standard 7 Perceive and analyze artistic work.
- NCAS Anchor Standard 8 Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
- NCAS Anchor Standard 10 Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.
- NCAS Anchor Standard 11 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical contexts to deepen understanding.
