Issue link: https://trevordayschool.uberflip.com/i/1504410
L O W E R S C H O O L Trevor Translates: Lower School Terrarium Project Introduction by Andy Wilson, Director of Lower School Text by Tom Scholz, Head Teacher 5th-Grade Science, and Lower School Science Curriculum Coordinator For many Trevor families, "entry points" is a term they're likely to have heard used by our faculty. Not to be confused with campus doors, "entry points" refers to the various openings that teachers build into their curriculum, through which our students navigate their way. Every Trevor student is different, with their own set of interests, perspectives, talents, personalities, and questions—and each searches for their own unique entry into a lesson, concept, or problem. The budding engineer might look for the ways ideas fit together, while the would-be actor looks for the motivations and the personalities that drive them, while the future historian builds timelines and maps in their head. Knowing this, the teacher's goal is to build these entry points for all students, so they can find what best sparks their interest and makes sense for them, so they may engage as their unique self. One of the best ways to build multiple entry points is through interdisciplinary work— projects and explorations that bring multiple strands and subjects together, that require and value the numerous perspectives and interests that make up any learning space. By weaving disciplines in this way, we abandon siloed learning, create opportunities for growth and cross-pollination that reflect the natural world, and create fertile opportunities for innovation. Thankfully, leading the charge on this important work, has been our own Head of School, Scott Reisinger. Scott has continually focused on building opportunities for interdisciplinary work for our youngest Nursery students to our most tenured seniors. Having created the time, resources, and support for faculty to bring their disciplines and ideas together has resulted in an abundance of interdisciplinary programming for students to dive into. From the birth of our Digital Humanities program to the spacious redesign of our Lower School Makerspace, Scott has brought our many disciplines together, to best serve the diverse group of learners that make Trevor so special. I hope I've created an "entry point" for you into one of Trevor's most recent and innovative interdisciplinary projects. The project is led by 5th-grade science teacher, Tom Scholz, and Lower School Technology Integrator, Mike Rios. 26 / TREVOR MAGAZINE SUMMER 2022–2023