trevordayschool

I n the Lower School, technology is integrated into the curriculum in many ways. In the early grades, students use iPads to practice and enhance their math and literacy skills. For example, 1st-grade students use Raz-Kids, an app that includes a library of books differentiated at various levels of difficulty; this gives students customized reading practice. (With online controls, their teachers can quickly manage and track students' reading progress.) In 2nd and 3rd grades, the use of technology is tied deeply to the curriculum, as students use iPads and Chromebooks to research animal habitats and the Hudson River. In 4th and 5th grades, students have their own Chromebooks; much of their schoolwork is done on the computer and shared with their teachers via Google Drive. In addition to teaching them about responsible care of their device, this is excellent preparation for the transition to the Middle and Upper School. Besides research and modeling, we've introduced 7th- and 8th- grade art electives, in which the students use code to create interactive art. Seventh graders use Scratch, a block-based programming language developed for educational use by MIT. In 8th grade, the students use an online version of Processing (the same tool used in 9th-grade coding and 11th- grade physics). e Lower School Library has a wide variety of resources to teach students how to navigate the complex digital information landscape. ese include online encyclopedias and almanacs, databases, and educational video streaming services. Students learn how to do keyword searches to find resources that are relevant to their topics, in addition to evaluating the quality of their sources. An exciting new development in the Lower School is the addition of a Makerspace. Working with Pixel Academy (a leading provider of hands-on technical education in New York City), we've created a purpose-built space for students to extend their learning via "making." Students have access to advanced tools, such as 3-D printers and laser cutters, and also use "old-fashioned" technology—such as cardboard and board games—in order to develop and apply their computational thinking skills. We have already participated in a pilot program using Nintendo Switch gaming devices to operate physical (cardboard-based) objects that the students created. Chris Kavanaugh, Lower School Educational Technology Specialist, oversees the Makerspace and is in the process of extending its use in the curriculum for 1st through 5th grades. e goal is to tie such making experiences to the students' existing curriculum. 4 Senior Bridge Program Each year, a technology seminar is offered, in which students design and complete a project of their own making. Recent examples have included: n Construction of a True Random Number Generator (TRNG), using quantum effects. n An Internet-connected toaster. (Choose your toasting preferences on an app!) n Construction of a 3-D printer— using a 3-D printer to print the components. n A solar-powered iPhone recharger. is page, left, top: Senior Sophie K. builds a 3-D printer with parts printed from a 3-D printer. Eric Lindow is there to help; Left, bottom: Fourth graders Bear C. and Jiya D. designed and 3-D-printed this nameplate for their Spanish teacher. Ms. Munoz teaches Nursury–Grade 5; Right top: Chris Kavanaugh observes 4th graders Kiran N. and Nathan K. in the Makerspace; Right, bottom: Fourth grader Arden S. creates a masterpiece with cardboard and plastic fasteners. 2 2 T R E V O R D AY S C H O O L n W I N T E R 2 0 1 8 – 2 0 1 9

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