Learning By Doing
11/17/2019
"We educate students to be exceptional learners and independent thinkers of vision, courage, and integrity." We know our school’s vision. It’s printed on the walls of the school, handwritten by students on posters in our classrooms, and even woven into our school song. We often discuss the academic activities and teaching philosophies associated with how we aim to achieve our mission. We are a PBL focused school and much of our mission is exemplified through PBL projects. Something that I’ve been especially impressed with, in my short time at PNA, is how we consistently live our mission to be a hands-on school. In my own school experience as a student, I remember only going on two field trips a year and spending the majority of my time in school, at my desk. That is not how PNA rolls. In just this past week, our middle schoolers have been involved with some incredible hands-on learning experiences that are uniquely PNA. Miss Molly collaborated with some awesome people from the Ski Jumping Association to do a presentation at our school. They showed the kids some photos/videos and spoke to them about ski jumping. Then they put our students through a circuit with drills and simulations regarding ski jumping. The kids were super into it and had a blast, learning by doing. We took a field trip this week to see the Anchorage Symphony perform at the Performing Arts Center. Our very own music teacher, Mr. Kade Bissell, was playing percussion. The performance itself was impressive, interactive, and tailored for a young audience. However, the highlight of the day was hearing the kids cheer for Mr. Bissell on stage and then watching their eyes widen as they saw him back at school. It was a neat experience for everyone involved. On Friday, we had another unique, hands-on learning opportunity. Thanks to the Horn family, we were given a moose heart to do some dissection. Ms. Mariner led the charge and we all navigated the moose heart together. We had some excitable and slightly squeamish kids, but they did a wonderful job. Enjoy the photos of their reactions. PNA is currently doing a can drive for the Anchorage food bank’s community project. This upcoming week, please support your child and our cause by bringing in green bean cans. On Monday, November 25, I will be taking some Middle School students to the Mountain View Boys and Girls Club. There, we will help organize all the food for collection. Having our students get real volunteering experience for a local and significant cause is an excellent way to learn by doing. I feel lucky to be at a school that so heavily values hands-on learning. We are very proud of our Middle School students for their willing and positive attitude to try new things. Whether they are trying a new elective (currently basketball, video game design, or sewing), Skyping with an astronaut, or passing around a moose heart, our students are learning by doing and it's a privilege to experience. Comments are closed.
|
Sarah Mariner
Ms. Mariner earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Science from Colorado State University, and was awarded a teaching certificate through the University of Alaska, Southeast. Her varied background includes being an environmental education field instructor in Massachusetts, Colorado, and Baja, Mexico. She also served two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Dominican Republic. Archives
April 2021
Categories |