Learning Through the Process of Discovery

This past week, the 4^th Grade participated in their annual tradition of da Vinci Week. Da Vinci week was inspired by the genius Leonardo da Vinci, who left his mark on the world as an influential artist, inventor, and scientist. From his painting of the Mona Lisa to his invention of the first-ever parachute, da Vinci’s talents demonstrated how the “left brain meets the right brain.” 

 

During this time, students worked in small collaborative groups, replacing their traditional academic courses with opportunities highlighting science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics, officially referred to as STEAM initiatives. Students in 4th Grade learned, created, and solved problems together using inquiry, dialogue, critical thinking, and measured risk-taking. 

  

From programming Lego robots, testing the viscosity of slime, and designing a food truck to engineering a Roller Coaster, investigating music mysteries, and studying the buoyancy of boats, curiosity, collaboration, innovation, creativity, and reflection were at the forefront of every activity. 

 

While this program lays the foundation for scientific inquiry, it also marries the best of our cross-campus opportunities for our Upper School students. The Standard, the Upper Campus periodical, covered the event. And co-founder of the robotics section of da Vinci Days, Dylan Ochoa ’24, again led students through the construction and automation of programmed automatons (Lego Robots!). Several seniors volunteered on the Lower Campus for a rotation to augment the da Vinci experience and spend some quality time with young Trailblazers.

Thank you to the Class of 2030 for sharing all of your activities with The Trailblazer!