Transformative Curriculum
Student Projects
Highlights: Transformative curriculum projects engage students in hands-on, interdisciplinary learning experiences that build critical thinking and real-world skills. WVMS 8th-grade students applied their knowledge of physics and engineering in the Bottle Rocket Launch Project, designing and testing rockets to optimize flight time and stability. Similarly, the 5th Grade Garden Project connected Social Studies, Science, and ELA as students explored Native American gardening techniques, plant life cycles, and oral storytelling traditions.
World language students practiced conversational skills at the 8th Grade French Market, transforming the gym into a marché with student-run shops and authentic cultural experiences. At BRMS, humanities teachers led interdisciplinary projects like Tiles and Tales, where 7th graders studied Lenni-Lenape folktales, designed symbolic ceramic tiles, and wrote original short stories. 8th graders examined historical monuments in Reimagining History Through Sculpture, creating artwork and artist statements to showcase their learning.
Civic engagement took center stage in the BCMS Mock Election, where students built voting booths, designed ballots, and simulated an election to understand the democratic process. In 7th grade, students experienced historical economics through the Colony Festival, pitching colonial settlements to "European investors."
Technology and history merged in Mapping and Coding the Military Theaters of WWII, where HHS students researched key battles, programmed robots to navigate battle routes, and highlighted veterans' experiences.
Honors Anatomy students at Lower Merion High School practice ER/patient care by conducting differential diagnoses, collaborating in teams, and presenting findings during "Rounds" to develop communication, critical thinking, and bedside manner. This inquiry-driven approach mimics real-world medicine, requiring students to analyze complex topics, communicate effectively with both experts and non-experts, and reflect on their growth.
By integrating multiple disciplines, these projects create meaningful, skill-driven learning experiences that encourage collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking
Pathway Connection: These transformative curriculum projects exemplify our shift from content area silos to an interconnected learning experience where students apply knowledge across disciplines. By embedding inquiry-based learning, collaboration, and real-world applications, we prepare students to transfer critical thinking strategies beyond the classroom.
Guaranteed Experiences
Highlights: Creating real-world connections is a key focus in our curriculum. For example, third-grade students visit The Fairmount Water Works to deepen their understanding of water systems, ensuring their science lessons are meaningful and applicable beyond the classroom. Similarly, our Residency programs provide structured opportunities for students to engage in hands-on, experiential learning that textbooks alone cannot provide.
The addition of guaranteed Project-Based Learning (PBL) experiences in our elementary schools immerses students in interdisciplinary problem-solving. Kindergarteners explore habitats and seasonal changes through interactive projects at Riverbend. First graders research animals and visit the Elmwood Park Zoo to enhance their understanding. Second graders investigate extreme weather, leading to creative presentations and a visit to The Franklin Institute. Third graders tackle water pollution challenges by designing water filtration systems after studying the water cycle. Fourth graders explore ecosystems through hands-on projects, including building self-sustaining terrariums and engaging with the MCIU Environmental Mobile Unit.
Pathway Connection: We are shifting from content silos to a connected curriculum that empowers students to apply knowledge across disciplines. By embedding real-world applications and flexible learning experiences, we create opportunities for deeper exploration beyond the constraints of traditional schedules and classrooms.
Student-Centered Curricula
Highlights: Our curriculum continues to evolve to provide students with meaningful, interdisciplinary learning experiences that foster critical thinking and problem-solving. The adoption of Fundations provides a structured, multisensory literacy approach aligned with the science of reading and MTSS frameworks. K-2 teachers engaged in yearlong professional development with district reading specialists to ensure effective implementation. This shift directly responds to teachers' observations of the need for a systemic phonics approach in early literacy instruction. Amplify Desmos Math and Integrated Math introduce a student-centered, problem-based approach that builds conceptual understanding, fluency, and real-world problem-solving skills. These programs emphasize critical thinking, collaboration, and communication, allowing students to apply mathematical reasoning across disciplines. STEM Specials engage students in hands-on, student-led projects that encourage innovation and critical thinking, with real-world problems integrated into lesson design. Teachers pose thought-provoking questions that challenge students to analyze information, make connections, and develop practical solutions. The addition of the elementary STEM Special is a newer initiative that expands interdisciplinary learning, immersing K-4 students in the Engineering Design Process to develop problem-solving, logical reasoning, and resilience. These curriculum shifts reflect our commitment to a transformative curriculum that allows students to transfer knowledge across disciplines and engage in deeper, more connected learning experiences.
Pathway Connection: These curriculum shifts support our commitment to a transformative curriculum pathway by fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world applications. They provide students with opportunities to apply knowledge, engage in hands-on learning, and build essential skills such as communication, collaboration, and resilience, preparing them for a future that values innovation and adaptability.
