Coast Episcopal School announces a new enrichment program, Explorium, for 2018-2019 fourth through sixth graders. The mission of CES Explorium is to introduce and expose students to diverse different areas of learning while focusing on two key learning principles: place-based learning (students are “in the field” as much as possible) and project-based learning (students are required to create something tangible). Explorium also provides students with an opportunity to participate in choosing their curriculum and will elect a new class from a menu of classes every nine weeks. Explorium will meet twice a week.
The five options that are available the first nine weeks include Ocean Exploration, Genius Hour, City Planning, Cyber Engineering, and Latin American Art and Culture.
In Ocean Exploration, led by Coast Episcopal School Science Teacher Summer Dorcik, students will be exploring the question, “How can I protect the ocean?” They will hone problem solving skills, consult with professionals in the Marine Science field, and develop strategies to promote protecting the ocean.
City Planning, led by Coast Episcopal School Librarian Liz Young, will take students through the stages of building a house on a property in an incorporated city. Students will research home plans, city codes and ordinances, create their own design using CAD, and consult with their “client” throughout the process.
Genius Hour, led by 4th grade homeroom and History teacher Kelly Duffy, describes the class as one “that allows students to explore their own passions and encourages creativity in the classroom.
It provides students a choice in what they learn during a set period of time during school. These “passion projects” are researched before they begin creating a product to be shared with the class, school, and world!”
Coast Episcopal School Math teacher, Sarah Schmitt will lead Cyber Engineering. This class will motivate creativity and innovation within the students. Problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication are all key when discussing electrical circuits, building a simple battery, and creating cypher tools for deep encryption messages.
Latin American Art will be taught by Coast Episcopal School Art teacher, Stacey Johnson. Students will explore the history, culture, and arts of various countries with a Latin American influence. Examples of projects include creating Peruvian sundials, Mexican tamales, corn husk dolls, dying fabric with natural materials, building Guatemalan ceramics, bird whistles, and animal sculptures.
“Our Explorium team is so excited about this new addition to our program. We are already discussing classes for the rest of the year. A few ideas are: Robotics, Culinary Studies, Stock Market Race, Band Exploration, and Moot Court. New things are on the horizon for the students!”- Dean of Academics, Colette Weber.
