Project Paradise
4/6/2018
While the standardized tests from the Education Records Bureau (ERB) have been the focus of our mornings this week, projects have been the focus of the afternoons. AUCTION PROJECTS In the science lab, two beautifully built benches (Trevor Howell) are being exquisitely painted by seventh graders under the watchful eye of Suzanne Farley. A slow and meticulous process, this project has been as each layer of paint needs to completely dry before the next can be applied. One of these benches will be placed in Ruth Arcand Park as an extension of their Park Project (see below). Meanwhile, Debra and Paris have been working on the eighth grade project - experimenting with dyes on silk, using resist with different applicators, mixing colors, and deciding which type of brushes and strokes will provide the best look. Their project is a silk painted room divider with design a la Debra. (A little known fact is that Ms. Mariner has the perfect place for this room divider in her house….) IN CLASS PROJECTS Next week is our week to debut the Ruth Arcand Park Project - even though it is not complete. This HUMONGOUS project has been our main “science” focus since spring break now that we finally have some plans approved and can get to work! Students have been creating a website that can keep the public updated on the status of the park as well as promoting community work days and providing contact information. While this website is still under construction, we will give you a sneak peak: Students have also been reflecting on the process of this project and helping to write the explanations that will be used in the project alcove display next week. In social studies, students have been doing their own research on a country in Europe so that they can showcase their learning through a museum project the week after next.
With all these projects happening at once, students amazingly seem to take it all in stride. When they were asked to explain what they like about PNA to a prospective student on Tuesday, many of them said, “...working on projects with others.” In a week like this one, that was music to our ears! Comments are closed.
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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
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