Academic Activities

Wilson Hall believes that a strong education should be broad, balanced, and meaningful, giving students the opportunity to grow as thinkers, creators, problem solvers, and communicators. From three-year-old preschool through 12th grade, students explore ideas across all areas of learning, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics, literature, history, world languages, visual arts, performing arts, and the humanities.

As a school certified in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math by the South Carolina Independent School Association, Wilson Hall incorporates inquiry-based learning throughout the curriculum. Students learn to ask thoughtful questions, conduct research, use technology responsibly, work independently and collaboratively, and apply creative and critical thinking to real-world challenges.

This approach strengthens traditional teaching by adding hands-on activities, class discussions, writing, presentations, performance-based assessments, and creative projects that help students connect what they are learning across disciplines. By combining the strengths of STEAM with the richness of a liberal arts education, Wilson Hall provides an engaging, well-rounded academic experience that prepares students for college and life beyond our campus.

Mindfulness in Action in Health & Human Development

Finding calm before exam week, students in Health & Human Development stepped outside the traditional classroom to experience hands-on wellness strategies with instructors from Southern Bliss Yoga. Through meditation, music therapy, and yoga, students learned practical techniques to manage stress, improve focus, and support overall well-being. Taught by Mrs. Allyson Sanders, the class emphasizes active learning and real-world skills that encourage healthy habits both in and out of the classroom. 

7th Grade Charleston Trip: Learning Beyond the Classroom

Bringing history and science to life, seventh grade students traveled to Charleston County for a three-day trip filled with hands-on learning and time to bond with classmates. Students spent two nights aboard the USS Yorktown, toured naval vessels, explored the Vietnam Experience Exhibit, and watched the Blue Angels during a practice run for an upcoming air show. They also visited Capers Island with Barrier Island Eco-Tours to study coastal ecosystems and enjoyed a beach cookout, with additional stops at Magnolia Plantation and Charles Towne Historic Site.

AP English Language Combine: Training Beyond the Classroom

Blending academics with movement, students in Mrs. Molly Simpson Matthews’s AP English Language class took part in the AP Combine, a dynamic experience designed to prepare them for the College Board AP Exam. Modeled after the NFL Combine, the activity challenged students to shift quickly between writing tasks while practicing the skills needed for three timed essays. Between sessions, students recharged with fun physical challenges across campus, from skipping and doing jumping jacks to running steps and ballet moves, making the experience both engaging and effective. 
 

Physics in Motion

Bringing classroom concepts to life, AP Physics students in Mrs. Jessica Duke’s class wrapped up the year with an exciting hands-on learning experience at Carowinds. After designing and calculating their own model roller coasters, students explored force, energy, centripetal force, and aerodynamics in action throughout the park. From investigating motion on Mountain Gliders to experiencing the spring-powered launch of Slingshot and the weightless drop of Fury 325, the day reinforced that physics extends far beyond the classroom.
 

AP Research in Action: Students Present Original Studies

Showcasing months of in-depth study and critical thinking, students in AP Research presented their final projects, the culminating course of the AP Capstone Program. In this college-level class, students design and conduct their own original research on a topic of interest, analyzing data and drawing evidence-based conclusions. Their presentations highlighted not only the depth of their work but also their ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and confidence. The class is taught by Mrs. Martha Jo Smith Johnson ‘99 who was supported along the way by Mrs. Erin Trueblood, AP Statistics teacher, and Mrs. Sarah Smith, College Counselor, with their expertise. 
 

Farm Day Fun and Discovery for Kindergarten

Exploring beyond the classroom, kindergarten students enjoyed an educational trip to Dorr Farms, where hands-on learning came to life. While picking fresh strawberries, they discovered the important role bees play in helping crops grow and spent time feeding farm animals and playing together, making it a memorable day full of discovery and joy.
 

Preschool 3 Wild About Learning

Wrapping up Letter W week with excitement and creativity, Preschool 3 enjoyed a fun-filled Western Day featuring hands-on activities like fine motor tracing, fork painting, line dancing, and even horse races, making learning both engaging and memorable.
 

Civics in Action at the State House

By stepping into the South Carolina State House, third-graders experienced first-hand the government concepts they have been studying in class. They learned about the history of the building and viewed the House and Senate chambers before meeting with Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives Murrell Smith ’86. Speaker Smith talked with the students about his job, explained how laws are made, and answered their many questions, creating a meaningful educational opportunity outside of the classroom. The teachers are Mrs. Kathy Smith Coker ‘98, Mrs. Anne Gratz and Mrs. Joy Hendrix. 

Anatomy Brain Hats

Taking a creative approach to test prep, students in Mrs. Ashley Morris’s anatomy classes made and wore “brain hats” labeled with key regions and functions. The hands-on activity brought brain anatomy to life as students answered questions from faculty about brain function and specific areas, building both understanding and confidence in a fun, memorable way.

Celebrating Dr. Seuss

Celebrating Read Across America and Dr. Seuss Week, students enjoyed stories, crafts, and hands-on activities that made learning fun. From Cat in the Hat hats and Lorax projects to silly socks, playground clean-up, and Seuss-inspired snacks, the week was filled with creativity, laughter, and a love of reading.

Mystery Reader and a Lasting Friendship

Bringing a story and a shared history to the classroom, Ms. Mary Cothonneau Eldridge ’08, an attorney in Columbia, served as the Mystery Reader for Easton Burchett’s kindergarten class. She read I Love You, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt, delighting the students with the beloved story. Mary and Easton’s mother, Mrs. Whitney Daugherty Burchett ’08, have been friends since their days as students at Wilson Hall. Moments like this reflect the lasting friendships formed here and the meaningful connection our alumni continue to have with the school community.

Preschool 3 Learns About Smiles and Sugar Bugs

Connecting classroom lessons to real world expertise, our Preschool 3 students welcomed Ms. Jenny Thigpen, a registered dental hygienist with Caroline Children’s Dentistry, as they explored the letter S and learned how smiles stay healthy. After studying healthy and unhealthy eating habits, students examined a grocery flyer to find foods that make our teeth smile and those that cause sugar bugs. Ms. Thigpen taught them about brushing, the many ways we use our teeth, and smart choices for eating and drinking. Each student even had the opportunity to practice brushing and cleaning teeth, making this hands-on visit a meaningful extension of their learning through a valued member of our professional community.
 

Muscles in Motion in Anatomy

Examining form and function up close, students in Mrs. Ashley Morris’s anatomy class brought their study of muscles to life by dissecting chicken wings. This hands-on lab allowed them to observe tendons, ligaments, and muscle groups in action, deepening their understanding of how the human body moves and reinforcing academics in action through real-world application.
 

French Classes Celebrate Crêpe Day

Transforming the cafeteria into an extension of the classroom, students in Mr. Scott Warren’s French classes participated in a Crêpe Day cultural activity. After Mr. Warren prepared several liters of batter the night before, students cooked their own crêpes and selected toppings such as Nutella or fruit jam, engaging in hands-on learning that brought French language and tradition to life beyond the traditional classroom setting.
 

P is for Pancakes & Pajamas

Ending the week with smiles and syrup, Preschool 3 students celebrated the letter P through fun, hands-on crafts and activities, including pancake and penguin projects, painting with pom-poms, making patterns, and even walking like penguins. The week concluded with a cozy Pajamas & Pancakes Day, making learning the letter P a joyful and memorable experience.
 

Threads of French Identity

Creating with purpose, students in Mr. Scott Warren’s French III class are designing and stitching French and Francophone symbols into needlework tapestries and will present the meaning of their chosen symbols to the class, blending creativity with cultural learning through hands-on experience.
 

100 Days Smarter

Dressing as centenarians, kindergarten students joyfully celebrated the 100th day of school with a day full of fun and learning. Students incorporated the number 100 into hands-on activities and projects, using snacks as manipulatives and completing creative math challenges, like counting 100 licks of a lollipop, making this milestone a memorable blend of play and academics.
 

101 Days of Learning and Fun

First grade students celebrated their 101st day of school in spirited fashion, transforming the hallways into a sea of spots, ears, and wagging tails as they dressed up as characters from 101 Dalmatians. The milestone day blended creativity and academics, allowing students to enjoy the excitement of dressing up while participating in meaningful, hands-on learning activities inspired by The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith and the classic Disney film.

Students strengthened their math skills by drawing 101 spots on Dalmatian illustrations and practiced reading and writing by searching the room to find and record 101 words. They also created Dalmatian-themed hats and enjoyed a playful snack of “dog bones” (pretzels) and “dog spots & dots” (mini marshmallows and chocolate chips). The celebration offered a fun, memorable way to reinforce important skills while marking an important milestone in the school year. 

Learning Across Generations in Spanish

Bridging classrooms and ages, AP Spanish students Morgan Aycock and Ella Sill collaborated with a fourth grade class to present engaging Spanish lessons they designed themselves. Guided by Mrs. Emily Jackson, the project highlights intergenerational learning as students teach, learn, and inspire one another through shared language and meaningful educational experiences.
 

Set Design Creates World of Cinderella

Putting creativity and craftsmanship to work, students in the Set Design and Construction class are hard at work creating the sets for the spring musical, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Guided by Ms. Tara Breslin-Schumacher and Mr. Steve Hudson, students are showcasing their artistic vision and design skills as they bring the world of the show to life, one carefully built piece at a time.

Kindergarten Learning in Action: Catapult Experiments

Kindergarten students learned through hands-on experimentation while having fun as they explored the scientific method by building and testing catapults. After asking a question and forming a hypothesis, students collected data using a bar graph and carried out their experiment to see which would travel farther, a marshmallow or a pom pom. Learning came to life as curiosity, problem solving, and play worked together in the classroom.

Preschool 3 Learning in the Dark

Preschool 3 students combined learning and fun during a hands-on lesson focused on the letter N and nocturnal animals. Using flashlights, students took part in a nocturnal number hunt, searching for numbers 1–6 to strengthen number recognition skills. The activity kept every student engaged while reinforcing key concepts through playful, active learning.

Experiencing the Aging Process in AP Psychology

Stepping into the challenges of aging, AP Psychology students engaged in hands-on simulations to experience what arthritis, glaucoma, and hearing loss can feel like. Through this interactive lesson, students deepened their understanding of the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of development and aging. The class is taught by Mrs. Allyson Sanders.
 

Bringing History to Life: A 5th Grade Journey Through Washington, D.C.

As part of their studies in U.S. History, the 5th grade students embarked on a five-day educational journey to Washington, D.C., coordinated by Mrs. Kathy Coker. This immersive experience brought their classroom learning to life through hands-on exploration of the nation’s capital. From the interactive exhibits at the International Spy Museum and the Museum of the Bible to the powerful storytelling of “Daniel’s Story” at the Holocaust Museum, students engaged with history in meaningful ways. Highlights included visits to the Franklin Roosevelt Memorial, the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, and a walking tour of Old Alexandria. At Mt. Vernon, students stepped into the world of George Washington, while stops at Arlington National Cemetery and the Vietnam and World War II Memorials offered solemn reminders of the cost of freedom. They also visited the National Cathedral and the Marine and Air Force Memorials, concluding their days with a stunning illuminated tour of the city. This trip served as a dynamic extension of their U.S. History curriculum, offering unforgettable lessons that could never be captured in a textbook.

Health & Human Development Takes Learning Outside

Stepping outside enhanced academic learning as students in Mrs. Allyson Sanders’ Health & Human Development class completed a hands-on lab focused on vital signs and medical terminology. During the outdoor lab, students measured pulse rates and examined normal body functions to better understand homeostasis and explore reasons vital signs can sometimes be abnormal.
 

AP Literature’s “Road to Bethlehem” Project

Students in AP Literature bring their semester of reading to life by creating a symbolic journey toward Bethlehem that weaves together every major work studied, with each component mapped onto a character or element from the Nativity narrative. Their culminating posters highlight key themes, literary devices, and personal insights as they identify moments of new beginnings, offer “gifts” of meaningful quotations, trace guiding lights in the texts, and reflect on humility, revelation, courage, and the shadowed path that “slouches towards Bethlehem.” The project blends scholarship with imagination and is taught by Mr. Brent Kaneft.

Creative Cookie Computer Lab

Bringing creativity to life, lower school computer science students turned a fun STEAM project into a sweet hands-on experience as they designed sugar cookies on Google Jamboard in Mrs. Emma Ayres’s class. After Mrs. Ayres baked real cookies to match their digital designs, students decorated their treats, snapped cookie selfies on their Chromebooks, and enjoyed every bite of their edible creations.
 

Potato Santas on Parade

Bringing Christmas spirit to life, our first graders kicked off the annual Potato Santa Parade, a fun holiday tradition that turns an ordinary potato into a festive Santa masterpiece. Students proudly showcased their imaginative creations as they travelled throughout campus, posing for photos and spreading cheer to everyone they met. It is a simple project that sparks big creativity and even bigger smiles.
 

Racing Through Review in English 12

Team Jingle took on Team Bells in a fast-paced vocabulary relay race in Mrs. Ashley Cook’s English 12 class, with students racing to match definitions with the correct vocabulary words. Each team member located their numbered definition, sprinted to the board to choose the right term, and quickly took a seat while Mrs. Cook verified each pairing for points. After a spirited competition, Team Jingle claimed the victory.
 

Learning in Motion: Statistics on the Court

Putting probability into play, AP Statistics students took to the court for a hands-on free-throw simulation that turned data collection into an active learning experience. Each student attempted 40 shots to determine their individual shooting probability before combining results to analyze class-wide trends, compare long-run and short-run behavior, and create Venn diagrams showing who scored above or below the class average. The class is taught by Mrs. Jessica Duke.

ChemisTREE Tradition Lights Up the Lab

Kicking off the holiday season with a clever twist, AP Chemistry students decorated their ChemisTREE using items found right in the lab. This long-standing holiday tradition adds a festive spark to the class, led by Mr. Chuck McCord, the school’s most tenured faculty member now celebrating his 44th year of teaching at WH. Mr. McCord stands as a shining example of the experience, dedication, and continuity that define our exceptional faculty.
 

Designing & Printing Holiday Creativity

Building real-world skills through hands-on design, students in the robotics classes created Christmas ornaments using Wilson Hall’s fleet of over two dozen 3D printers. As part of a class assignment, they modeled their own ornament designs before bringing them to life layer by layer. Wilson Hall offers Robotics I - III for high school students, along with a robotics course for 7th grade, all taught by Mrs. Leann Tuders, giving students practical experience with technology & engineering tools.
 

Talking Turkeys Take the Podium in AP English Language

Turning a Thanksgiving tradition into a fun way to learn, AP English Language students took on named turkey personas to craft speeches arguing for a presidential pardon. Without costumes but fully in character, they chose strategic rhetorical moves and matching tones to persuade the audience their turkey should be spared, blending creativity, voice, and argument. The class is taught by Mrs. Molly Matthews. 
 

Environmental Science: Building Better Wetlands

Exploring how wetlands naturally filter our water, Environmental Science students wrapped up their unit on terrestrial & aquatic biomes with a hands-on wetland lab. After learning how vital wetlands are to healthy ecosystems, students built their own miniature wetlands using layered models of filter, gravel, sand, soil & moss. They then tested how effectively wetlands clean water by measuring the pH of dirty water before and after running it through their filtration models. Mrs. Jessica Duke is the teacher.
 

Second Graders Tap Into Learning at Water Treatment Plant

Highlighting how Wilson Hall uses local places as valuable educational resources, second graders visited the Pocotaligo Water Treatment Plant to deepen their understanding of Community Helpers. Students saw firsthand how clean, reliable water is produced for Sumter, connecting classroom lessons to real community operations. The experience offered meaningful, real-world learning guided by Mrs. Lynn Davis, Mrs. Jordan Logan & Mrs. Carla Talley.
 

Stepping Into History at Colonial Day

Stepping out of the classroom and into the past, 4th-graders brought their U.S. History unit to life during Colonial Day at the Carolina Backcountry Homestead at the Sumter County Museum. Dressed in period costume, students rotated through hands-on stations such as colonial cooking at the hearth and a militia drill while exploring the recreated log cabin, settler’s house & blacksmith shop. Parent volunteers and teachers, also in costume, partnered with museum staff and volunteers to guide each activity, showcasing the strong tradition of parental involvement that enriches learning at WH. The teachers are Mrs. Tammy Amick, Mrs. Laura Brogdon & Mrs. Megan Zimmerman.

Modeling the Membrane in Biology

How do students grasp cell membranes? By building them. In Mrs. Ashley Morris’s biology class, a STEAM-focused, hands-on activity used gumdrops, pipe cleaners & construction paper to model membrane structure and function, turning simple materials into a clear understanding of complex biology.
 

Exploring Surface Tension Through Hands-On Science

Putting STEAM learning into action, 5th-grade students conducted a hands-on lab to explore the concept of surface tension in Mrs. Frances James’ science class. Through interactive experiments and observation, students discovered how cohesive forces in water create tension strong enough to support light objects, deepening their understanding of scientific inquiry and real-world phenomena.
 

Government Kickball Review

Kicking learning into high gear, government students took their review outdoors with Government Kickball. Before each kick, players fielded a question spanning topics from the Constitution to case law; a correct answer earned a kick, while a miss required a quick task before first base such as pirouettes or a crab walk. The activity was a fun way to study and be outside while reviewing material taught by Mr. Sean Hoskins.

Marshmallow Mechanics in AP Physics

Launching learning into the open air, AP Physics students took their lesson outdoors to investigate how potential energy converts into kinetic energy. Working in teams, they designed and built mini catapults to launch marshmallows, tested and refined their prototypes, then competed to see whose design sent a marshmallow the farthest. The hands-on challenge blended collaboration, iteration, and real-world physics, guided by Mrs. Jessica Duke.
 

Police Pups & Community Pride

Bringing learning to life, Preschool 3 students continued Community Helper Month with a visit from the Sumter Police Department and Marco from the K-9 unit. Sgts. Gary Atkinson & James Sinkler and Lt. Corporal Mary House shared how officers protect and serve, teaching students about safety and the important work of police dogs. The highlight of the day was meeting Marco and discovering how K-9s help keep the community safe.
 

Strengthening Writing Through Collaboration

Building stronger writers through collaboration, students in AP Language & Composition participated in a peer-editing session following a timed argumentative essay on the prompt, “To what extent is competition valuable?” By reviewing their classmates’ work, offering constructive feedback, and engaging in discussion, students refined their analytical and writing skills. The process encouraged critical thinking and revision, allowing each student to strengthen their essay before final submission. The class is taught by Mrs. Molly Matthews.
 

Studying Bones in Anatomy

Engaging in hands-on learning, students in Honors Anatomy used real cow bones to study the structure and function of a long bone. Through direct observation, they explored features such as the bone marrow, medullary cavity, endosteum, and periosteum, deepening their understanding of skeletal anatomy. The interactive lab, taught by Mrs. Ashley Morris, brought textbook concepts to life in a memorable and practical way.
 

Preschool 4 Learns Fire Safety

Experiencing real-world safety skills firsthand, Preschool 4 students visited the Sumter Fire Department headquarters, where firefighters taught essential lessons on fire safety. Students practiced dialing 911 and took turns using a firehose, turning an exciting field trip into a memorable educational opportunity.

Sensory Learning in an On-Campus Pumpkin Patch

Preschool 3 popped into their very own on-campus pumpkin patch, where every student found the perfect pumpkin. After a lively game of Pass the Pumpkin, they tasted and smelled all things pumpkin to explore their senses.

Helping Hands with Nurse Sanders

Preschool 3 welcomed Mrs. Allyson Sanders, school nurse, as part of October’s study of community helpers, and she turned health care into hands-on learning. After unpacking her medical bag and sharing her passion for nursing, she read a story about germ prevention, modeled proper hand hygiene, and talked about healthy eating. Students practiced real-world skills by putting on latex gloves, “wrapping” pretend injuries, and bandaging themselves and stuffed “booboos,” discovering how a school nurse helps them feel safe and well at school.
 

Mad Scientist Morning

By turning curiosity into experiments and teamwork into discovery, middle schoolers dove into Mad Scientist Morning. Led by faculty teams, students rotated through three grade tailored stations selected from nine total labs, building skills in observation, measurement, and clear communication. Examples included Hot Wheels ramps to study friction, balloon rockets to feel Newton’s third law in action, Bendy Veggie to explore osmosis, Feeding the Fungi to decide if yeast is living, and Germ Gel to see how bacteria spread. Collaboration kept chemistry, physics, and biology buzzing throughout the morning. Mrs. Mindy Busch and Mrs. Cecelia Ormond, science teachers, and Mrs. Teresa Alexander, Assistant Director of Academics, coordinated the event.  

Third Graders Step Into Sumter’s Past

Exploring local history through hands-on learning, third grade students visited the Sumter County Museum to deepen their understanding of our community’s past. A puppet show presented by the Sumter Junior Welfare League introduced key historical figures and events in an engaging, age-appropriate format. Students then toured the backcountry homestead, where authentic structures such as a settler’s house, commissary, blacksmith shop, and loom house brought early 19th-century life to life, reinforcing classroom lessons through immersive, real-world experience.
 

AP Biology Students Analyze Osmolarity

Students in Mrs. Sheri Singleton’s AP Biology class deepened their scientific skills by conducting a quantitative analysis of potato starch storage cell osmolarity, carefully designing and carrying out experiments to gather reliable data. Following the IMRAD format, they structured their reports to explain the research purpose, detail experimental methods, present measured results, and evaluate the significance of their findings in a clear, professional style.

Creative Learning with the Letter C

Curiosity and creativity came alive as Preschool 3 students explored the letter C through shaving cream sensory play. This STEAM-inspired activity encouraged open-ended discovery while strengthening fine motor skills, turning a simple hands-on experience into a fun and engaging way to learn.

Stars Without a Heaven: Children in the Holocaust Exhibit at Wilson Hall

This week, Wilson Hall is honored to host Stars Without a Heaven: Children in the Holocaust, a moving 27-panel traveling exhibit on display in the 300 Building. On loan from the South Carolina Council on the Holocaust and coordinated by librarian Mrs. Hayes Jones, the exhibit shares the stories of children who lived through the Holocaust, captured through drawings, poems, letters, and toys. While 5th-grade classes will study it as part of their curriculum, the age-appropriate content offers meaningful insight for middle school, high school, and adult audiences alike.

Numbers Come Alive in Pre-Algebra

Walking along a floor number line, students in the 7th grade Pre-Algebra I Plus class, taught by Mrs. Teresa Alexander, plotted positive and negative rational numbers with accuracy and collaboration. The hands-on activity transformed abstract ideas into tangible learning, helping students visualize numerical relationships while strengthening their problem-solving skills. Multimodal learning and teamwork made the lesson an engaging and effective STEAM experience.

4th Graders Put Energy in Motion

Conducting hands-on experiments, 4th grade students in Mrs. Megan Zimmerman’s class explored the exciting world of energy through engaging science activities. From testing the transfer of energy to investigating the effects of collisions, the classroom buzzed with curiosity and discovery. The STEAM-focused lesson not only deepened their understanding of science but also encouraged collaboration as students worked together to test ideas, share observations, and learn from one another.
 

Skits, Smiles & the Constitution

Collaboration and creativity took center stage as students in Mr. Sean Hoskins’ government class acted out skits to bring the Bill of Rights to life. Using what they had learned in class as a review for an upcoming test, students worked in small groups to pantomime three assigned rights without saying a word. The other groups then guessed both the amendment and the right being performed, turning review time into a lively mix of learning, teamwork, and laughter.
 

Making Sense of Matter in Physical Science

Sorting, debating, and organizing turned into a hands-on way for students in Mrs. Ashley Morris’ Introduction to Physical Science class to dive into matter classification. Armed with 30 cards, each group was challenged to invent its own system for classifying the substances. The activity sparked plenty of creativity and discussion, helping students see how scientists break down and organize the building blocks of matter.
 

Reading with a Positive Perspective

As a surprise, Mr. Shep Sublette, a ‘74 WH graduate and grandfather of kindergarten student Banks Timmons, stepped into the classroom as the Mystery Reader. He brought the story Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses to life, reminding everyone about the power of looking at things with a positive perspective. To make the lesson even more special, he handed out a pair of “magic glasses” to each student to take home. 

Best in Show: Kindergarten Edition

To help transition into the new school year, kindergarten students read Boomer Goes to School by Constance W. McGeorge. For a fun activity, they held a lively dog show, proudly presenting their favorite stuffed dogs, each one earning a playful blue ribbon for special characteristics like Happiest Dog, Fluffiest Dog, and more.

Apples, Appleseed & the Letter A

Hands-on learning made the letter “A” come alive for Preschool 3 students as they tasted green, red, and yellow apples, giving each a thumbs up or down. Along with exploring healthy eating and how apples grow on trees, they discovered the story of Johnny Appleseed and enjoyed songs and poems that tied to their letter of the week.

Sweet Statistics in AP Psychology

Students in Mrs. Allyson Sanders’ AP Psychology class turned a bag of M&M’s into a hands-on experiment to study research design, ethical guidelines, and statistical reasoning. After forming hypotheses about color distribution and collecting data, they considered ethical factors such as informed consent and inclusivity before analyzing their results with descriptive statistics and chi-square testing. This creative activity gave students a practical way to see how psychologists design studies, uphold ethical standards, and interpret data.

Mapping the Human Body

Students in the Honors Anatomy class, taught by Mrs. Ashley Morris, engaged in a hands-on STEAM group activity to practice body region terminology. Working together, students traced an outline of a classmate’s body on the floor and then used colorful post-it notes to label the different anatomical regions. This interactive approach reinforced their learning while making the study of anatomy both collaborative and memorable.

Environmental Science "Tragedy of the Commons"

Using straws to “fish” for M&Ms in their community lakes, students in Mrs. Jessica Duke’s Environmental Science class experienced the challenges of the Tragedy of the Commons. In the first round, with no rules in place, most of the lakes were quickly depleted as students acted in self-interest. In the second round, they introduced regulations and worked together, allowing their lakes to thrive and demonstrating that sustainability depends on balance, cooperation, and mindful choices.

Human Health & Development Learn the Baby Basics

Life with a baby can turn ordinary routines upside down, and students in Mrs. Allyson Sanders’ Human Health & Development class got a taste of that reality. After exploring the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial stages of child development, each student was assigned a baby doll to care for day and night throughout the week. The project wrapped up with presentations showing just how much an infant can change family life, from shifting roles and added responsibilities to the challenges of finances and relationships.

A Heartfelt Lesson from The Kissing Hand

Preschool 3 students enjoyed The Kissing Hand, the heartwarming story of Chester the raccoon who overcomes his first-day jitters when his mother kisses his hand so he can always carry her love with him. To bring the story to life, students had a heart drawn on their hand, a sweet reminder that whenever they feel scared, they can look at their hand and remember their mother’s love.

First Graders Make Colorful Connections with the Skittles Ice Breaker

First grade students kicked off the year with a colorful “Getting to Know You” activity called the Skittles Ice Breaker. After sorting their Skittles by color, the students rotated around their table groups, sharing fun facts about themselves and making new connections in a fun and engaging way.