Evolving Curriculum

Lessons From Venice

After studying Venice's flood protection strategies during a 2015 sabbatical, lower school science teacher Shevon Morris earned the Patricia A. McDermott Faculty Summer Sabbatical Grant, King's largest sabbatical grant, and the highest honor it bestows on a teacher. This honor allowed her to continue her research. She returned to Venice in 2023 to find that the water level had risen. During this visit, she explored innovative solutions such as elevated walkways, waterproof structures, and building reinforcements.

Morris channeled her research into several new classes, designing hands-on lessons for Grades 3-5 to address environmental issues. Students explore geotechnical engineering, build models, and study water crisis solutions. They also learn about pollution, global warming, and ocean acidification, focusing on practical experiments and collaborative projects. Morris aims to guide her students to become informed environmental stewards.

“The professional development opportunities and sabbatical experiences provided by King have empowered me to become a valuable primary resource for my students,” Morris said. “Through my investigations into the effects of global warming and its impact on both the environment and human activity, I have infused my curriculum with a deep passion, inspiring my students to become enthusiastic advocates for change. Additionally, I have established global connections with schools in the cities I’ve visited, allowing us to continue monitoring environmental changes and collaborate on future projects.”

ADVENTURES IN PROJECT-BASED LEARNING

The secret behind Grade 4 teachers Rebecca Keogh and Katie Baum’s engaging units lies in their ability to intertwine academic, technical, and life skills in lessons that spark curiosity and student interest. Partnering with Lower School Project-Based Learning (PBL) Coordinator Hannah Scala, they develop lessons encouraging exploration and deep engagement with various topics.

To build fundamentals, students read books and analyze narratives. They use the stories and character analysis to create sample classroom exercises that leverage the skills of the characters they are studying. The students enhance their organizational and presentation competencies by compiling information and presenting lessons with slide shows and interactive activities.

These skills grow as students move on to produce podcasts based on themes from their favorite books. They explore the stories’ morals and messages and share personal anecdotes that relate. With guidance from their teachers, they learn to articulate their thoughts clearly and use technology effectively, discovering the power of their voices and the art of storytelling.

The PBL units culminate in a technical challenge: designing mini-golf course holes. Beginning with blueprints, students incorporate perpendicular lines, measured angles, and geometric shapes into their designs. Teamwork is essential as they collaborate on creating greens and consult with King’s golf team for expert advice. The project concludes with a presentation of their designs to families and the school community, showcasing students' progress in developing confidence, empathy, and creativity through the Grade 4 team’s thoughtfully designed program.

An Expedition In Cartography

Kindergarten teacher Bettina Greenberg noticed her students' fascination with treasure maps and seized the opportunity to spark a love of cartography. Using the guiding question "Where in the world am I?" she transformed their curiosity into a comprehensive mapping unit.

Students embarked on a global quest, sending questionnaires to family members around the world. As they analyzed the responses, they began to design maps that helped them understand the concepts of towns, states, and countries. This process also allowed them to explore the diverse cultures their families represented and the commonalities that united them.

When Molly Eagleton ’16 joined the Kindergarten teaching team, she recognized the opportunity to expand the global mapping lesson. As a King lifer, Eagleton introduced the concept of mapping the King campus, allowing students to delve deeper into their Viking identity and understand the significance of their school community.

Cordelia Hayes ’32

Pianist Dance Diva Artist

Conservationist Lego Architect

World Traveler Summit Seeker

The Power Of Possibility

Amelie Hayes ’32

Songbird Dance Machine

Guitar Hero Bookworm

Marine Biologist Slime Alchemist

Little Mermaid