Symbiosis in Nature and Community

Constant Pierson

A personal meditative-like journey through three distinct Southern California landscapes, this book presents photography along with artistic interpretations. Artwork focuses on shapes, colors and patterns found in nature that reflect an emotional connection for the artist. The three regions include marine coastal, conifer forest and Joshua Tree National Park. Some artistic images are realistic representations, while others are poetic abstracts.

Ivanna Zuo and Yanqi Li

Combining the charm and magic of 3D pop-ups with colorful illustrations, this children’s book is designed for readers age 8 and up who will enjoy the undersea adventure story as they learn about symbiosis. The protagonists, Cici and Bobo, meet the animals and plant life of a coral reef and discover how coral and algae keep their ecosystem in balance. The book strives to instill a sense of wonder and awareness that can lead to a desire to protect the ecosystems. The book includes a science fact page so readers can continue their exploration.

Lili Todd

Promoting empathy for the natural world, these posters communicate how a healthy coral reef ecosystem is based on symbiotic partnerships of organisms. One poster is designed in sketch-note style with multiple fun and informative graphics; the other is a simple statement with engaging illustrations. Both advocate for a healthy marine ecosystem and depict the negative impact humans have on the environment.

Posters can be distributed as a free resource for educators, parents who are homeschooling or older students.

Madison E. Griffin

This book highlights the unique nature of symbiosis while encouraging readers to take action to promote a more responsible stewardship of the planet. The flip side of the book jacket doubles as a check-list style poster; readers can use this poster to help them reflect on their sustainability goals and learn how small changes can lead to big differences.

The book has two sections: one is a detailed description of various symbiotic partnerships. The second section outlines how humans have a parasitic relationship to earth, and offers way to minimize further degradation, such as using sustainable materials, being responsible for waste materials, and eating less meat.

Rachael Chan

This colorful book seeks to excite young readers (ages 4-8) about science and the fascinating microbial diversity found within human bodies. The storyline follows an endearing main character, Mia, as she learns about the small things that live inside her mouth. Mia is magically transported into the world of the mouth, where she encounters immune-building bacteria and strange landscapes with microscopic creatures in an environment bustling with symbiotic relationships. When Mia hears her mother calling her to dinner, she waves goodbye to her new friends and returns to her world with a deeper appreciation of the complexities of symbiosis.

Amanda Oesef

In this continuous vertical comic, scientific concepts fuel abstract contemplation on human nature and the poetry of living things. Using whales as a thematic bridge, the comic explores the rich ecosystem of a whale carcass, as well as human relationships with whales throughout history.

The visual story starts with a scientist in Chile’s Atacama Desert driving to view the graveyard of poisoned whales. This action propels the story, which features evocative and powerful graphics. Bold images seamlessly flow into each other, including osedax worms feasting on whale carcasses, a process that sustains life even after death.

The storyline also features scenes contrasting aboriginal whaling practices with the commercial whaling that nearly decimated whale species in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Sophia H. Kiuchi

Textured graphics and vibrant colors tell the story of one yeti crab’s relationship with the world, presenting a powerful example of symbiosis. Each page is composed with a different artistic method, such as graphite, ink, watercolor, and digital. An interactive element invites readers to use a red magnifying glass to find a crab hidden among the kelp. Text relates the intricate connections the crab has with its environment and advocates protection of this species, as well as all ocean life.

Melissa Fernandez, Misa Jia, Faith King

This panoramic visual represents the history of cyanobacteria, its symbiotic relationship with moss, and the important life-giving nutrients it provides. Artwork seamlessly transitions from concept to concept, from cellular representations to larger life forms. Bold, rich imagery gives the piece a deeply cohesive overview of nuances, details and important elements of cyanobacteria.

This long panel illustration can be altered for coloring books, murals, digital scrolls and other applications.

Hannah Shin

This architectural concept for a science-themed café offers guests opportunities to learn symbiotic concepts while leisurely enjoying beverages with friends. As a destination experience geared for 16-25 year olds, the café takes its cue from a science lab and guests can wander in and out of four “flasks.” Posters depict specialty drinks that reflect various scientific principles.