“I thought it would be fun to be an engineer and help fix the flooding problem at our school at the same time,” said Alexander R., a seventh grader taking The World Around Us elective with learning specialist Xenia Murillo.
In The World Around Us, students investigate the flooding on campus caused by Tropical Storm Ida on Sept. 2, 2021. They learn the factors that contributed to the flooding and research methods to mitigate or find solutions to the problem.
“This elective has helped me channel my passion for building things by having me build a model of EMS and then testing possible solutions for the flooding problem using cardboard, foam board, and other materials,” said Alexander.
This is one of the many electives engaging Morrow House students this fall. These project-based learning classes this season also included public speaking, gardening, producing an EMS newscast, designing a board game, exploring the principles of interior design, writing a graphic novel, and more.
“Our ceramics elective created the game pieces for the board game elective,” says Head of Middle School Eleni Siderias. “It’s inspiring to see collaboration between students and classes throughout our electives.”
“By giving our students choice in these classes, it promotes advocacy for their education,” she adds.
Sixth-grader Samuel C., who is taking The Stock Market Game with math teacher Sarah Ehatamm, says, “I am curious about the idea of investing and how the stock market works,” so he selected an elective where students create an investment portfolio, invest “money” in companies, and buy and sell stock and bonds while learning investment strategies.
“Prior to taking this elective, I was already researching the stock market and wanted to see if my knowledge could be used to invest effectively,” adds Samuel.
Our middle schoolers will expand their knowledge and explore more interests when selecting new electives in the winter and spring.
“Electives improve focus, effort, and performance as students engage in exceptional project-based learning on topics they care about,” says Siderias. “Our ongoing professional development and collaboration with teachers allow us to offer a diverse portfolio of choices for our students who have a wide range of interests.”
There's No Better Time to Support Your Child's Education
Every time you donate to one of Elisabeth Morrow's dedicated funds, you help enrich the daily experiences of our community on campus. STEAM spaces are enhanced, library catalogs are expanded, scholarships are funded, and teachers are hired. Every day, you can see the impact your generous donations have on campus.
