Technology has opened new frontiers to humankind and has created wonderful possibilities to education. Technology tools allow teachers to facilitate student-centered activities through which the learners demonstrate their creativity and their research abilities. Responsible use of technology has become an important part of the learning process. This year, the Middle School scheduled several conferences for parents and students around the topic of Internet safety, presented by Mr. Steve Katz.
Mr. Katz’ initiative was followed by the 8th grade Language Arts classes, who guided by their teacher, Dr. Nolan, worked throughout the entire quarter in a unit called Teen Brain Online. They researched different topics related to online learning and brain development: development of the brain, online safety, cyberbullying, online identities and safety, online safety and advertising manipulation. Research findings were presented to the middle school students in the form of debates or PowerPoint presentations. The purpose of these activities was to develop awareness among adolescents about the impact of technology on teen’s brains and present to them critical views that will lead students into making appropriate decisions as users of media resources.
Using technology safely is an issue that will grow in importance in the near future. Congratulations to the 8th graders who demonstrated their leadership and keen interest in this topic.
Once again, the CDS community gathered to witness the display of knowledge and creativity, as the 7th grade class, representing 59 countries, presented their Cultural Fair on May 20 and 21.
In the evening of May 20, parents, teachers and friends enjoyed the parade of nations and the students’ display of information, artifacts and food of the various countries. Then, on May 21, students and teachers from all divisions visited the fair. Students all ages marveled as they went through the stands, asked questions, tasted the food, and got souvenirs.
The Cultural Fair is the culminating activity of a year’s process of preparation. Since early August, students engage in a variety of activities to prepare for the Fair. They do research on various aspects of the countries assigned to them: location, population, culture, politics, traditions, religion, among others. Some of the skills they develop in order to meet the expectations of the course include: Organization, time management, critical thinking, decision making, public speaking, listening and writing.
The facts are soon forgotten, but the skills students develop in Ms. Porter’s class help students become independent learners. According to a couple of 8th grade students…
“Sure, writing all that information on note cards and memorizing the presentation wasn’t that fun, but the outcome was. On the day of the fair, everyone helped by supplying each other with different items needed to set up and decorate the individual booths. As opposed to what I had heard, it turned out to be a successful and educational event in which we learned about the countries that were presented. I’m sure I’m talking for everyone when I say: it was a wonderful experience.” (Andrea Linarez)
“We raffled the countries and then investigated almost a year about that country. We made a presentation in front of our class, dressed up and showed all the wonderful gadgets we collected throughout those months, even prepared food… then the float, the idea, the construction, the planning and making it… and finally, the day came, the fair, putting everything together, making our booths, our parents helping, the stress…. But also eager for it to start. It was a one-in-a-lifetime experience that we will never forget.” (Giancarlo Bracero)
The truth is students are the best judges of their learning process. Don’t you agree?
Below are some pictures of the fair. You will also find more in the Pictures page of this blog.
See you next year at the Cultural Fair!
Subject: Ancient Civilizations, Grade 6
Teacher: Mrs. Margie Porter
Sixth graders created their own civilizations as a culminating activity in Ancient Civilizations. The civilizations had to be located on a real continent during a particular time period. Students, then had to create reasons for migrating elsewhere. Students did research on the basic habitat of that continent during that particular time period regarding plants, animals, etc. Then, creativity set in. Some of the things included were transportation methods, economy, shelter, food, demographics, government, and folklore.
