Awkward

The DIY planetarium symbolizes the unification of art and science. Throughout the graphic novel, the art and science clubs are feuding over a table at the school fair. Miss Tobins encourages Peppi’s participation in science class by pointing out the ways that art and science complement one another. She calls Peppi a “Renaissance girl,” and explains that a Renaissance person is someone who “is accomplished in several different fields” (189). Miss Tobins compares her to Leonardo da Vinci, a celebrated artist and acclaimed scientist.

Miss Tobins’ encouragement shows Peppi that science and art “really aren’t that different” (190). If the clubs cooperate, they can accomplish greater things together than either can alone. As Peppi proposes the idea of the planetarium, she finds that cooperation is not always easy. Even after she convinces both clubs to work together, “there was still fighting” (203). The groups must work through their conflicts and move past them in a productive way. Finally, when the clubs’ strengths are applied toward their common goal, even if there are some bumps along the way, “the result…was so worth it” (204). By pooling their unique talents, the art and science clubs combine their disciplines and make a spectacular contribution to their school.