Students Teaching Students Around Shorecrest
Source/Author: Raffi Darrow, Ebytes Editor
November 16, 2017
One of the many benefits of a PK-12 school like Shorecrest is the opportunity for older and younger students to work together. Just this fall, Chargers across all four schools have had a number of those opportunities, including:
Mrs. Peck’s Intro to Medical Science students taught first graders how to wash their hands properly using glogerm lotion and black lights (shown). First graders rubbed the special lotion on their hands to simulate where germs lie, and then washed their hands using the special instructions taught to them by the Upper School students. After washing they held their hands under black lights to see if they were able to remove all of the lotion properly.
Pablo Coundouriotis ‘18 shared, “We taught the younger students about the different patterns one can find while examining fingerprints. We also taught them how each fingerprint is fully unique and there are no others like it. Afterwards, we showed them how to stamp their fingerprints on a sheet of paper using an ink pad.” (View photos here)
While fifth grade learned about kinetic energy, potential energy, and how to use art to display scientific principles during Drop Everything and STEAM Week, they had many visitors through their classrooms including students from Alpha and third grade. They were able to explore their magnetic sculptures and test out their marble runs! (View photos)
Eighth graders shared their knowledge of native species and invasive species as they led third graders on a tour of the Native Classroom at the back of campus (shown). Each third grader had their own personal guide as they learned about the various bushes and different kinds of Mangrove trees. They also picked up Forgotten Ones (microtrash) together and collected 2.9 pounds of trash. Later in the week, they potted sea grasses together. (View photos)
Another example came out of Mr. Seymour’s tenth grade Honors English class (shown). After brainstorming with a partner and devising an imaginary new culture, the teams were challenged to write a unique creation myth for their culture and create an accompanying visual representation. Several students wrote children's books for their project. Some of these were shared with first graders this week.
After school, the STEAM Girls Club had their monthly visit from students of Academy Prep. Sophie Elwyn ‘19 and Hailey Schoenberger ‘19 helped give a tour of campus, including US Robotics, MS Robotics (introduced by fifth grader Ava P.), computer labs, and the Makerspace. The meeting concluded with educational activities centered around circuitry and energy. (View photos)
Student learning is reinforced by the opportunity to demonstrate and share their newfound knowledge. Multigenerational relationships, like the ones cultivated through these cross-division opportunities, can also be incredibly powerful for younger students to see the example modeled by their older peers.
