Watershed
In grade grade, students study the water cycle, while in seventh grade, they focus on weather and watersheds. Our BCCS property sits at the confluence of three different watersheds: two creeks that flow into the Grand River—the largest river in Michigan—and one that flows into the Kalamazoo River through the Rabbit River. Our goal was not only for students to understand these watershed connections, but also to recognize how what we do at home and on our property can impact those watersheds, creeks, rivers, Lake Michigan, and ultimately all of creation. To support this learning, fifth and seventh-grade students collaborated to create pamphlets personalized to the watershed where they live. These pamphlets were designed to educate our families about how everyday choices affect local watersheds and the larger water systems they are connected to!
Take a Trip!
This trimester, a highlight of the intentional work of our teachers was a multi-subject project in which fifth-grade students used math, language arts, and social studies to plan a trip across the country.
In math, students applied skills such as adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing with decimals to calculate the cost of their travel, including gas, food, lodging, and attraction tickets. They even planned for unforeseen expenses and rising gas costs. In social studies, students researched historical attractions in various parts of the country, such as the Liberty Bell and Arlington National Cemetery. In ELA, students created persuasive travel brochures to encourage readers to embark on a road trip to visit these historical sites.
Project highlights included traveling with a partner, choosing a vehicle (from a bus to a 1969 Camaro), and making budgeting decisions, such as splurging on nicer hotels or opting for more affordable motels. Students shared that they wanted to eat at restaurants they had researched, were surprised by the cost of dining out, and worked hard to persuade readers!
Building Friendships
In social studies, our first graders learn about rules and citizenship. To go deeper, students considered the rules on the playground and the importance of playing safely and fairly. They brainstormed common problems that could arise, as well as possible solutions to each problem. They discussed what playing together should look like, sound like, and feel like. Finally, they wrote helpful tips and shared them with our kindergarten friends across the road. We’re thankful for first-grade problem solvers!