Lower School Themes Bring Learning to Life

As part of their Fairy Tale theme, first graders engineered parachutes to help Jack escape the Giant, timing each descent down the beanstalk for speed and effectiveness!  They combined STEM and storytelling to design "wolf-proof" houses inspired by the "Three Little Pigs." They proudly presented their creative projects to their families at the year’s first theme-sharing event.

As a part of their theme on "Communities Around the World," second graders explored a local garden where they learned about the importance of community involvement and teamwork!  At the end of their unit, they hosted a walk/runathon. Thanks to their hard work and determination, they raised an incredible $1,700, which will go toward providing essential products for seniors with disabilities in our area.

Throughout the third-grade studies on Native Americans, they explored environmental philosophies through hands-on activities at Red Oak Camp. The activities included hiking, archery, necklace-making, rock climbing, canoeing, and lacrosse–a game invented by the Iroquois. Mr. Harmon also shared how Native Americans crafted birch bark canoes. After adding the final touches to their dioramas in the STEAMworks Innovation Lab, they eagerly shared their hard work and creativity with their parents during their theme sharing. 

As part of their Ancient China theme, fourth-grade boys explored archaeology, learning the roles of archaeologists versus paleontologists, and practiced excavation techniques at a mock site, in the Shaker Campus Arboretum! They celebrated their annual Kite Festival where students learned about the history of kites and tested different kite styles. Lower School Director Mrs. Cummings visited their classroom to read a mathematical adventure, "The Warlord’s Kites," by Virginia Pilegard.