Each semester Kent School offers Middle School students in grades five through eight the opportunity to engage in an elective mini-term class entitled Explorations. Explorations meets once per week for a several consecutive weeks. Spring 2018 offerings include Video News Production, Roller Coaster Design, Kite Design and Flying, Collage, Tie Dye, Pottery and The Phantom Tollbooth in which students are challenged to design an animal using geometric principles. In addition to those listed, Kent School is offering a unique class called “Nature Buddies.” “Nature Buddies” links our Middle School students with our Little School students in a Chesapeake Bay Studies science exploration.
“Nature Buddies” appeals to Middle School students who have an interest in working with children, introduces them to the possibility of a teaching career and strengthens Kent School’s nationally recognized Chesapeake Bay Studies Program. Hannah Richardson, Middle School Science Teacher and Nature Buddies leader said, “This class brings students together to learn about science and the natural world. It is an excellent way to inspire curiosity about the world around us, build environmental stewardship and strengthen the bond between students in our school community.” Richardson continued, “Middle School students will lead their Preschool ‘nature buddy’ in experiments and activities about the water cycle and the Chesapeake Bay.”
Nancy Mugele, Head of Kent School said, “Nature Buddies” embodies so many of the things we value at Kent School. We know through our mind, brain and education science research informed teaching that students show true mastery when they can teach. Clearly, our Middle School students are demonstrating mastery as they teach our younger students some of the same concepts they learn in Middle School Science.” Mugele continued, “We are also committed to building and strengthening our nationally recognized Chesapeake Bay Studies curriculum. Involving our youngest students in “Nature Buddies” is one step in achieving that ongoing goal. Supporting teacher innovation is equally important to us. Nature Buddies is an example of our teacher-designed curriculum that draws from current classroom practices, the natural resources around us, the belief in our students as teachers and mentors and the innate curiosity that inspires learning at all ages. I am proud the Kent School can offer this program.”
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For more information about Explorations at Kent School, visit www.kentschool.org or call 410-778-4100 ext. 110. Kent School, located in historic Chestertown, MD is an independent day school serving children from Preschool through Grade 8. The School’s mission is to guide our students in realizing their potential for academic, artistic, athletic, and moral excellence. Our school’s family-oriented, supportive, student-centered environment fosters the growth of honorable, responsible citizens for our country and our diverse world.