St. Margaret’s Lower School students and Upper School science students came together recently to take part in a fun cross-divisional activity building eruptive volcanoes in the Lower School Outdoor Classroom.

 

The collaboration of kindergarten science students and AP environmental science students was organized by Upper School science teacher and department chair Edmund Herlihy and Lower School science teacher Chelsea Shoemate.

 

The unit lesson included students using Oreo cookies to model how Earth’s plates interact.  Thereafter, the students built sand volcanoes and predicted what may happen to the surrounding environment during an eruption propelled by vinegar and baking soda based on the volcano’s characteristics. The lesson provided a learning experience for both younger and older students, emphasizing the value of cross-divisional activities.

 

“My students were excited to visit the kindergarten classes! St. Margaret’s really allows for these special cross-divisional moments where students can interact with each other in new and creative ways.” remarked Mr. Herlihy.

 

The science collaboration was the latest in a school year full of fun and meaningful cross-divisional activities at St. Margaret’s. The professional community often seeks out opportunities for students in different divisions to come together for joyful academic activities, a unique benefit of St. Margaret’s Early School - grade 12 campus which also shapes and encourages the study of science.

 

“Several students from the Class of 2024 elected to major in Environmental Science, so there is usually interest in these fields,” said Mr. Herlihy.