Astronomy Projects Enhanced by Collaborations Between Upper School and Grade 3 Students

The Lower School science classroom of teacher David Beshk is always buzzing with activities, as students in grades 2-5 visit twice a week to take part in projects, test the scientific process, and use the latest scientific tools for lab and field studies.

 

Lately, many of the grade 3 classes have an additional helping hand—from Upper School scholars.

 

Students in the Upper School astronomy class have visited with Lower School science students recently to collaborate on activities and study units. It’s yet another example of the school’s valuable cross-divisional connections, a priority of St. Margaret’s to extend learning, add joy to the school day and benefit from the school’s preschool-grade 12 campus. 

 

Mr. Beshk’s grade 3 students have collaborated with Upper School astronomy, taught by Stephanie Capen, for multiple touchpoints this school year. After working together on the creation of children’s books about astronomy, the two classes recently came together to create an exhibit featuring models of various targets in the solar system that humans have explored via spacecraft.

 

“The astronomy students created models of the mission targets (like planets, comets, asteroids and moons) that illustrate the key scientific questions or discoveries of their selected space mission, while the grade 3 collaborators created models of the mission-specific spacecrafts,” Dr. Capen said.

 

The Grade 3 astronomy museum was opened up for an entire day in the Lower School science classroom, and students from many grades came by to see all the work that was done. The Upper School’s two astronomy blocks visited during their class period as well.

 

“Our Lower School students always appreciate when the older Tartans collaborate with different projects,” Mr. Beshk said. “Not only does it extend the learning that takes place in our classroom, but it is just a lot of fun to bring two divisions together to connect on common subjects being taught. Additionally, it is an effective way to showcase the great work being done in the Lower School while providing the Upper School students and opportunity to demonstrate empathy, leadership and communication skills. It is a blessing to have these resources and opportunities on one campus.”