The staff at MMES and I have been talking about different ways to make MMES a uniquely amazing elementary school. Beyond standardized test scores, how do we make MMES a school that stands out above the rest? One idea that we are currently exploring is "On-campus Authentic Experiential Learning." In other words, "field trips" that do not require a bus to take children off campus to visit unique learning sites. We began wondering if we could establish the resource of some unique learning tools that go far above and beyond textbooks, ipads, and interactive boards. Our first exploration of this topic was first viewed by the entire MMES community at our Open House:
Authentic Experiential Learning: Salt Water Aquarium
Objectives:
1. To provide students and teachers with an authentic experiential learning tool that can be connected to multiple disciplines (enrichment).
2. To improve the culture and climate of the school building by improving the aesthetics of the main lobby (beautification).
Authentic Experiential Learning
(Long-term Goal Potentials)
Staff members can work in grade-level and department teams to develop a binder of lesson plans centering around the aquarium:
-A parent volunteer “docent” could meet with grade levels to explain the science behind the aquarium environment.
-Students in specialist subjects (art, music, PE, library, technology) could access the aquarium for learning opportunities (ie. PE Creative Dance Unit).
-Students in academic subjects could access the aquarium for learning opportunities (ie. graphing changes in water properties, etc.).
-Authentic academic learning opportunities can be developed for ELA, Math, Science, etc.
-After-school science enrichment clubs can access the aquarium to learn about scientific concepts at a deeper and more sophisticated level. This could involve simple maintenance, life cycles, and water testing.
Culture and Climate - Beautification
(Short-term Goal Potentials)
-The aquarium has immediately improved the climate and energy in the school. Children are very excited to learn about the life in the aquarium.
- The aquarium has immediately improved the welcoming feel as people enter the school through the main lobby.
-The aquarium is very soothing and calming, which will be great tool for our students who may need an occasional movement break.
-Donations to expand the sea life in the aquarium and for maintenance could be accepted in lieu of birthday treats or to commemorate other special occasions.
In addition to our staff brainstorming ideas of ways to integrate this learning tool into our curriculum, our parent and community partners Yorgos Gregory and Tim Kirk have been working to develop school-wide curriculum connections and extensions. They have worked to develop a newsletter to update the MMES community as the aquarium develops from an empty 240 gallon tank to a simulated ocean environment with a myriad of living things! They have also worked to develop lessons and information about the tank for children, staff, and parents to explore. These items will be displayed in the lobby to make the space an interactive learning environment.
The formal "unveiling" of the aquarium will take place tomorrow at lunchtime. Yorgos and Tim will meet with all grade levels to explain to them the science behind the question of "When are the fish coming?" At this point, the ecosystem in the tank is establishing so that we can introduce fish and other living things!
This is a very exciting project for MMES! I would like to thank Imagine an Ocean of Beverly, MA for their generosity in donating their time, expertise, and equipment. We are also working with them to establish smaller, satellite tanks in a fourth and fifth grade classroom. If you would like to support the project in any way, please contact Tim Kirk at tim@gotfish.com .
Stay tuned as we look at other ways to create Authentic Experiential Learning at MMES!
