Follow Your Curiosity: Visual Literacy

We've compiled some useful resources to help educators and learners of all ages make the most of our fall programs!

In our increasingly visual society, we confront images constantly, both on and beyond our phones and other devices, TV screens, signs and billboards, magazines..it goes on and on! So accordingly, visual literacy–the ability to understand, interpret, and evaluate visual messages–is more crucial than ever. The following programs address how images shape our understand of big ideas, the way we learn, and the way we navigate urban environments.

Discussion Prompts

  • Do you think it’s important for young people to learn how visual images are put together for things like apps, TV shows, or advertisements? Why or why not?
  • Do visualizations deepen or simplify our understanding of complex information?
  • What complex information do you wish you had a visualization for, and why?
  • Do you think Chicago has a strong visual language to help people navigate the city?
  • What icons impact your day-to-day life and activities?

Suggested Activity

Hack a pie or bar chart! Make a creative visualization of everyday data from your own life, like number of steps taken in a day or amount of water consumed. Or, try outlining five aspects of your everyday routines and illustrating them graphically.

Further Reading

Video- What is data visualization

The surprising history of the infographic

What is Visual Literacy?

Digital Media and Learning Research Hub

Why Icon design is an evolving discipline

The symbolic simplicity of Mexico City’s metro signs

We value educators and youth and want to support lifelong learning! Teachers can purchase tickets to any event at a discounted price. And in fall 2018, youth can attend select programs for just $5 using the Teen Arts Pass. For more information about tickets please call the box office at (312) 605-8444.

PS – We’d love to hear from you! Please share with us your thoughts about these resources and your experiences using them!