The "Hunger Helpers" group started their inquiry by exploring child hunger and food waste. They shared their prior knowledge on the topic and viewed videos to introduce them to the concept. The group came up with this summary around their topic: To be hungry, or “malnourished,” means that due to a lack of nutritional intake, energy is completely lacking. This often results in a severe inability to perform simple tasks or to concentrate on anything other than food.
Week of April 15th
The Hunger Helpers have been hard at work in the 'Sorting Out/Making Connection' phase of our inquiry this week. We enjoy working together and we help each other if we get stuck. Our main focus was on in-depth research around our first two lines of inquiry; What hunger and food waste is and what impact food waste has on the environment. We read, discussed and reflected on many interesting articles around our main issues. To help us gauge for understanding and dig deeper into the reading, we used thinking routines such as 'Connect-Extend-Challenge' and 'See-Think-Wonder'. One of the important things to do when you research is to take notes and organize them neatly as well as cite the sources you used. We all use a note taking sheet called 'Problem-Solution or Topic/Issue' where we color code our notes and sources. It's a fun and effective way as it kind of looks like a rainbow! |
Week of April 30th
What an exciting week it has been for the Hunger Helpers! As our inquiry and research have reached the 'going further/digging deeper' phase of the inquiry cycle, we have had the opportunity to make meaningful connections to our research around food waste and child hunger. This week we explored the role composting plays in reducing food waste. We are fortunate enough to take a tour with Mr. Coleman to the school compost spot. We learned what a compost is, how it works, why we should be composting and what children can learn from composting. We also learned that is the students' responsibility to be diligent with composting and managing the compost bin year round. We all decided that this could be an action item for us! We wanted to raise awareness around the importance of composting and its benefit for the environment to our school community. On Mother's Day we got the chance! We hosted a 'Learn all about composting' station and shared our learning with everyone that came by! It was super fun and a great experience!
What an exciting week it has been for the Hunger Helpers! As our inquiry and research have reached the 'going further/digging deeper' phase of the inquiry cycle, we have had the opportunity to make meaningful connections to our research around food waste and child hunger. This week we explored the role composting plays in reducing food waste. We are fortunate enough to take a tour with Mr. Coleman to the school compost spot. We learned what a compost is, how it works, why we should be composting and what children can learn from composting. We also learned that is the students' responsibility to be diligent with composting and managing the compost bin year round. We all decided that this could be an action item for us! We wanted to raise awareness around the importance of composting and its benefit for the environment to our school community. On Mother's Day we got the chance! We hosted a 'Learn all about composting' station and shared our learning with everyone that came by! It was super fun and a great experience!
Week of May 7th
It was another busy and fun week for the Hunger Helpers! In this final week before the Exhibition presentations next week, we learned all about presentation skills and the do's and don't-s when you share your learning with an audience. Our teachers presented a really fun skit of what not to do when you present and we all laughed heartedly! We continued to work on our knowledge products and action. One of the highlights in this week was when we met with Mr. Lovegreen, a volunteer from the Stamford Covenant Center. We are planning to take action by organizing a food drive at Whitby in the coming 2 weeks. Mr. Lovegreen shared with us how a food bank and food pantry is and works, ways we can help, what items are most helpful and that there is a system in place that helps collect our donations. We really looks forward to sharing what we have learned on Exhibition day and night next week!
It was another busy and fun week for the Hunger Helpers! In this final week before the Exhibition presentations next week, we learned all about presentation skills and the do's and don't-s when you share your learning with an audience. Our teachers presented a really fun skit of what not to do when you present and we all laughed heartedly! We continued to work on our knowledge products and action. One of the highlights in this week was when we met with Mr. Lovegreen, a volunteer from the Stamford Covenant Center. We are planning to take action by organizing a food drive at Whitby in the coming 2 weeks. Mr. Lovegreen shared with us how a food bank and food pantry is and works, ways we can help, what items are most helpful and that there is a system in place that helps collect our donations. We really looks forward to sharing what we have learned on Exhibition day and night next week!
The "Naturecation Information" group came up with 'thick and thin' questions around their topic of outdoor education. They asked questions such as, 'What does quality outdoor education look like?' and 'How do parents, teachers, and students feel about outdoor education?' They also questioned how we can implement outdoor education at Whitby. Next they viewed many videos on how other schools are implementing their outdoor curriculum and the benefits that have resulted in doing so.
Week of April 15th
The Naturecation group had a very productive week. As well as conducting a lot of research on the benefits of beings outdoors, they drafted questions and then conducted an interview with our Assistant Head of School, Mrs Becker. After the interview they took time to reflect on her answers and then moved on to their next plans. These include interviewing more teachers at Whitby including Ms. Ferrer and Ms. Chapman, putting plans into place for a trial sensory path for Stepping Stones and inquiring into what an outdoor classroom for Whitby could look like. It's going to be a busy week! |
Week of April 30th
In Exhibition this week, Naturecation Information, worked hard on their interviews and their sensory trail model. Some of the group researched ways to implement an outdoor classroom at Whitby.
In Exhibition this week, Naturecation Information, worked hard on their interviews and their sensory trail model. Some of the group researched ways to implement an outdoor classroom at Whitby.
Week of May 7th
This week we sprang into action! We were excited to start and finish our knowledge products, and wow did we learn a lot through our Exhibition process! We worked on slideshows, presentation boards, games, and finalizing our sensory trail. We can't wait to show you all of our hard work and research we have been completing over these last few weeks!
This week we sprang into action! We were excited to start and finish our knowledge products, and wow did we learn a lot through our Exhibition process! We worked on slideshows, presentation boards, games, and finalizing our sensory trail. We can't wait to show you all of our hard work and research we have been completing over these last few weeks!
The "Green Seedlings" explored questions like, what kind of gardens are there, what will grow best in our area, and how can we make our school gardens good places for learning. The group took a tour of the butterfly garden by the pond, to get inspiration and brainstorm about what other types of gardens would support learning and animal life at Whitby.
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Week of April 15th
This week, the Green Seedlings worked on their research to learn more about particular types of gardens. Each child found a type of garden they particularly like and would love to see built here at Whitby. Students crafted questions and sent emails to interview experts here at Whitby, including teachers such as Mrs. Marshall and Mrs. Wilkens, Mr. Coleman in Facilities, and Mr. Honeycutt in Advancement, to ask them if building these gardens would be a good idea for both the school and the learning of the students. Hopefully, all these interviews will happen next week. We are excited about the possibility of adding additional gardens here at Whitby!
This week, the Green Seedlings worked on their research to learn more about particular types of gardens. Each child found a type of garden they particularly like and would love to see built here at Whitby. Students crafted questions and sent emails to interview experts here at Whitby, including teachers such as Mrs. Marshall and Mrs. Wilkens, Mr. Coleman in Facilities, and Mr. Honeycutt in Advancement, to ask them if building these gardens would be a good idea for both the school and the learning of the students. Hopefully, all these interviews will happen next week. We are excited about the possibility of adding additional gardens here at Whitby!
Week of April 30th
This week, the Green Seedlings participated in more research and began to think about ways to showcase their learning for Exhibition. One group member interviewed Mr. Honeycutt to determine if funding was available to proceed with plans for new gardens. As part of the interview, he told her that not only were funds available, but also suggested possible sites for the gardens, including in some of the Primary playgrounds. Other group members studied plants on Whitby's campus to see what is growing here now that appeals to the senses as part of their inquiry into sensory gardens. Still others created a matching game of plants that grow well in this area, as well as the animals that they help. They also began to survey visitors on Mother's and Special Visitor's Day about gardens they would like to see added to Whitby's campus.
This week, the Green Seedlings participated in more research and began to think about ways to showcase their learning for Exhibition. One group member interviewed Mr. Honeycutt to determine if funding was available to proceed with plans for new gardens. As part of the interview, he told her that not only were funds available, but also suggested possible sites for the gardens, including in some of the Primary playgrounds. Other group members studied plants on Whitby's campus to see what is growing here now that appeals to the senses as part of their inquiry into sensory gardens. Still others created a matching game of plants that grow well in this area, as well as the animals that they help. They also began to survey visitors on Mother's and Special Visitor's Day about gardens they would like to see added to Whitby's campus.
Week of May 7th
This week, the students reflected on the experience of their Mother's Day presentations to help prepare for sharing their learning at Exhibition day and night. Students decided upon the action they want to take as part of their research and began the action process. They worked to create models, posters, and lessons that they will share to help inform others about the benefits of gardens, and the plants that can grow well in this area. They are excited to share their final products next week!
This week, the students reflected on the experience of their Mother's Day presentations to help prepare for sharing their learning at Exhibition day and night. Students decided upon the action they want to take as part of their research and began the action process. They worked to create models, posters, and lessons that they will share to help inform others about the benefits of gardens, and the plants that can grow well in this area. They are excited to share their final products next week!
The Peace Out! group has begun their journey by envisioning an improved schoolyard habit that will support our native plants and animals.
Oliver is looking into what types of ‘garden’ structures have been successfully implemented in other areas, Alexandra is looking into what types of materials are best to build these structures, Sarah is researching native plants that attract pollinators, and Emily is researching needs of native animals, such as songbirds. |
Week of April 15th
The Peace Out! group has been researching up a storm. They have prepared an interview with Greenwich Audubon's James Flynn and are excited to hear his expertise on how to create an outdoor 'space' that will benefit both animals and people. They will also inquire as to what native plants can be added to our schoolyard habitat to attract and benefit native animals. They have been busily researching, discovering, and coming together to discuss next steps and share all they have learned!
The Peace Out! group has been researching up a storm. They have prepared an interview with Greenwich Audubon's James Flynn and are excited to hear his expertise on how to create an outdoor 'space' that will benefit both animals and people. They will also inquire as to what native plants can be added to our schoolyard habitat to attract and benefit native animals. They have been busily researching, discovering, and coming together to discuss next steps and share all they have learned!
Week of April 30th
Peace Out! continues to do research, and at the same time bring together their findings and think more about action. They enjoyed a walk around the Whitby grounds with Mrs. Ryan to see native plants and invasive species that will eventually be removed. They also enjoyed an interview and getting their questions answered by James Flynn from Audubon.
Peace Out! continues to do research, and at the same time bring together their findings and think more about action. They enjoyed a walk around the Whitby grounds with Mrs. Ryan to see native plants and invasive species that will eventually be removed. They also enjoyed an interview and getting their questions answered by James Flynn from Audubon.
Week of May 7th
This week Peace Out! decided they wanted to add A.K.A. ZooBots - for Zoologists and Botanists - to their name! They've been busy working on preparing their knowledge products and action. One of the exciting activities was making puddlers out of Shapecrete in the Maker Space with Mrs. Ryan, Mrs. Ferrer and Mr. Schwartz for the butterflies and birds. They are getting excited about Exhibition night!
This week Peace Out! decided they wanted to add A.K.A. ZooBots - for Zoologists and Botanists - to their name! They've been busy working on preparing their knowledge products and action. One of the exciting activities was making puddlers out of Shapecrete in the Maker Space with Mrs. Ryan, Mrs. Ferrer and Mr. Schwartz for the butterflies and birds. They are getting excited about Exhibition night!
The "Project Nature" group took some time to think about two things they would like to research and find out more about. Cameron wonders how we can use materials in our natural structures that won't hurt the environment. Marco is interested in what the impact of playgrounds are on kid's behavior. Max wants to know more about natural playgrounds, and Matt is interested in the physics behind play spaces. Mimi wants to make play spaces out of natural materials that are fun for all kids to play in.
Week of April 15th
This week the Project Nature group dove into their research. They read articles about the effects of recess on learning and behavior, watched videos of schools that had built beautiful natural playgrounds and learned about their journeys, set up surveys and planned for upcoming interviews. Next week they are looking forward to interviewing Mr. Chein to get his take on how recess and outdoor education is used in Upper School. |
Week of April 30th
The Project Nature group practiced their interview skills by speaking with two experts this week. They chose to speak with Mr. Chein about what recess and outdoor education currently looks like at Whitby and what he would recommend for the US students going forward. They also had the opportunity to speak with eighth grader, Carolina Rivera, to get her perspective on recess options for the older kids. Carolina was a great expert because she had done a similar Exhibition project and had good advice and insight for the group.
The Project Nature group practiced their interview skills by speaking with two experts this week. They chose to speak with Mr. Chein about what recess and outdoor education currently looks like at Whitby and what he would recommend for the US students going forward. They also had the opportunity to speak with eighth grader, Carolina Rivera, to get her perspective on recess options for the older kids. Carolina was a great expert because she had done a similar Exhibition project and had good advice and insight for the group.
Week of May 7th
Since a parkour course is one of the options the Project Nature is interested in proposing for a natural playground, they met with Matt Lapidus, a martial arts and parkour expert. They asked questions and discussed their ideas for such a course here at Whitby. Matt teaches a parkour class as part of WECCP and described how the art of parkour is all about "freedom of movement." He currently uses the natural obstacles on campus - such as boulders, logs, and existing play equipment - to run through campus by jumping, hopping and maneuvering around these found objects. Matt led a discussion around how parkour not only builds physical agility but mental agility as well. The students took this information and the other research they have gathered to begin on their presentations for exhibition day. They are excited to present their findings and worked together and supported each other to create models, slideshows, and posters.
Since a parkour course is one of the options the Project Nature is interested in proposing for a natural playground, they met with Matt Lapidus, a martial arts and parkour expert. They asked questions and discussed their ideas for such a course here at Whitby. Matt teaches a parkour class as part of WECCP and described how the art of parkour is all about "freedom of movement." He currently uses the natural obstacles on campus - such as boulders, logs, and existing play equipment - to run through campus by jumping, hopping and maneuvering around these found objects. Matt led a discussion around how parkour not only builds physical agility but mental agility as well. The students took this information and the other research they have gathered to begin on their presentations for exhibition day. They are excited to present their findings and worked together and supported each other to create models, slideshows, and posters.