Credit: Casea Smith | @coffeewithkrow​

About the Event

Date: 22 July 2021 | Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ds25MLekkPM&feature=emb_imp_woyt&ab_channel=Comic-ConInternational

Panel Description: Combining the learning benefits of visualization with the power of storytelling, high-quality graphic novels make both STEM and humanities subjects more accessible and engaging for all students, particularly students who may not see themselves as scientists, engineers, or historians. We’ll discuss how the comics medium is perfectly suited to breaking down complex information and making content learning engaging and fun. And with the new emphasis on reading nonfiction, academic vocabulary, and reading in the subject areas, comics are more relevant than ever. Join panelists Matt Brady (high school science teacher, co-founder of theScienceOf.org), Shari Brady (executive director of education and engagement; Kaleideum Science Museum, co-founder of theScienceOf.org), Kristina Maldonado Bad Hand (educator and teaching artist), Isabel Morales, Ed.D (middle school history teacher), C.A. Preece (high school chemistry teacher), Tim Smyth (high school social studies teacher and MS reading specialist), and moderator Tracy Edmunds (VP of K-12 education for Reading With Pictures).

Why Watch?

This panel really explores the possibilities for using graphic novels as a tool in teaching and how it has proven to be beneficial for education. From history to science, graphic novels can be the thing that helps students really help to engage students with the subject. I recommend watching this panel if you know someone who is either homeschooled, provides homeschooling to their child, or to someone who is having difficulty with more traditional means of teaching. 

I know someone who checks all of these boxes and on top of it all they’re dyslexic. When it comes to reading books for school (or doing schoolwork in general), it’s like pulling teeth. But boy, do they go through graphic novels as quickly and effortlessly as breathing air, with all of the information being retained as well! I feel utilizing graphic novels as a medium for teaching would really go a long way for them. Not to mention the wonderful examples the panel gave for using events in graphic novels for science projects, etc. 

The truly untapped potential of graphic novels as an educational tool is inspiring. It gives me hope for young students who struggle academically, but would otherwise thrive if graphic novels were utilized in their curriculum. I highly recommend watching this panel!

There was another panel at the same Comic-Con online convention called “Creating & Publishing Comics With The Lesson Plan In Mind” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42fZdeFxCRw&ab_channel=Comic-ConInternational, which covered a lot of the same things, but I feel that this panel, “Content through Comics” was more concise and effective in its explanation. It certainly allowed me to better imagine the multitude of ways that graphic novels can be practically implemented into teaching while making it fun, engaging, and easier to understand for students.