Real Work Real World
Preparing for in the
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t. Andrew’s-Sewanee School’s vision challenges the community to celebrate this place, consider carefully what and how we communicate, foster resourcefulness by engaging in real work in the real world, value the many voices in the school community, and consider the health and well-being of individuals and the school in all decision making. In spring 2019, teachers Marion Knoll and Dr. Viva Reynolds brought these goals together for a collaborative Science 7/Technology 7 final project. Students assessed the natural resources on the school’s 550-acre campus, analyzed the potential environmental impacts of the school’s proposed Campus Master Plan, and developed and presented recommendations in a Natural Resource Assessment and Campus
Assessing the School’s Campus Master Plan
Master Plan Impact Report. In the process, they learned science, math, technology, and presentation skills. To begin the five-week project, Ms. Knoll and Dr. Reynolds reviewed basic geometry, measuring, unit conversion, and mapping skills to help teams of students to interpret campus maps divided into zones. The teams assessed predominant land cover types in each zone and researched environmental issues affecting those landscapes. Students then developed a master chart of areas "worth protecting" with rationales rooted in environmental science. Students crossreferenced their chart with the Campus Master Plan and focused on three main areas that could be impacted by new construction. They then researched and recommended modifying plans for the proposed building sites.
The students prepared to present their findings and recommendations. During the last class session, students worked on presentation skills. The final presentations, delivered in the manner and attire of scientists and consultants, were attended by school administrators and members of the Board of Trustees. In the process of the project, in addition to learning basic environmental science and scientific methods, the students were taught to use Google Apps including Earth, Sheets, Docs, and Slides. Anja Dombrowski, one of the students in the class, appreciated having an assignment with real-world implications. “Speaking in front of people is difficult for me,” she said. “But I enjoyed the challenge of presenting my work to people who could really make a difference in the decisions that were being made.”
Fall 2019 · St. Andrew’s-Sewanee Magazine · 17
