The Focus on Learning segment during the first Plymouth School Board meeting of the month showed what course-integration at the Weidner School of Inquiry looks like, specifically in regards to science.
In addition to highlighting innovative instructional options, the segment was also a way for school board members to see what Marketing Director Judi Lykowski’s students do since they conducted the interviews and helped create the video that was shown.
In the video, WSOI Director Jennifer Felke shared what the driving force is behind their innovative course offerings.
She noted, “I want kids to get excited about science and I know that most kids either love science or hate it but we try to make science fun and hands-on and engaging.”
Photo Source: PTV at PHS FB Page
Felke added that skills acquired through these kinds of classes will assist students beyond the classroom.
She explained, “The course integrations allows kids to complete projects and learn those other important workforce skills like collaboration, critical thinking, problem solving and it really helps prepare them, not only for college, but going into work.”
The video also included the perspective of Haley Church who is one of the instructors for Bio-Art.
She shared “Basically, we try to take the concepts of Biology and we find a way that art can compliment that.”
Photo Source: PTV at PHS FB Page
Church stated that each year, the freshman students in the class participate in a charitable learning experience called Clay for Cancer.
She noted, “They make an object out of clay and then they get to sell that at a silent auction. All of the money that’s donated goes to the Cancer Association of Marshall County. The biology portion of it is that they learn about how cancer works.”
At some of the higher grade levels unique, project-based classes open up to students at Plymouth High School who are on the traditional track. A variety of other examples of ways that course integration is offered at WSOI were shared in the video.
Click the following link to view the January 7th Focus on Learning video.
