Last week while the 8th grade went to Philadelphia for their class trip, the 6-7s had STEM week. This is a special feature of life in the middle school as the group is challenged to work on a week-long project that highlights Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Traditionally, the projects rotate from rocketry to bridge building on a two year cycle. This was a bridge year and the group was challenged to work in teams to design and build sections of bridge to go over one of our creeks. Rich and exciting work for our younger students to look forward to in their years ahead at Parker.
We joined in with a whole school kick-off for STEM week that Monday morning. Shelli Failing (5th-8th grade math) and Kate Perry (K-8 science) mixed the K-7s into groups to design and build with only two materials: straws and paper clips. The challenge: build the tallest and sturdiest structure they could. Every structure was unique to that group. We saw communication skills, teamwork and innovation in action!
Saying Goodbye
Our Hudson Valley Community College student teacher, Sarah, had her last day with us on Wednesday. The children had grown fond of her and had enjoyed the lessons she led them through. The group sat together for a final picture.
Wildlife in China
One of our 3rd graders invited his Uncle Dan to come to the classroom and share his knowledge of wildlife in China. Dan just recently retired from the Adirondack Park Agency. That career took him to China to provide training on wildlife conservation and public education to his counterparts in that country.
We learned about animals China has in common with the U.S. (elk, cranes, bats, etc.) as well as creatures that are special to the country (Great Panda, red panda, Prezewalski's horse and many others). As Dan presented his slides, he was met with those oohs and aaahs this group always brings to images of animals. Later that day, the children finalized their topics for their China essays. I had challenged the children to top their work in the fall...Dan's visit provided fabulous inspiration.
By the end of the day, every child's list of topics had grown to include, on average, two to three animals. You go, kids!!! We are now knee-deep in essay writing.
Uncle Dan on one of his trips to China (far right)
Guam
Another 3rd grader expanded our knowledge this week. This past winter, she had a wonderful family trip to Guam. She had been given a school assignment while she was gone: collect information and impressions from her trip to teach us about when she returned. This week, she presented her learning and shared many first-hand experiences she had while in this island country. We found out about Guam's wildlife and history, and saw photos and videos that tracked the adventures they enjoyed as a family in, on and near the stunning Pacific.More oohs and aaahs from the 2-3s! The Great Outdoors
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We continue to open our mornings with physical activity and also make sure to take breaks throughout the day to breathe in the fresh air. Time in the woods opens the mind and prepares us for the work we do in our busy days. 
