Partnership gives students hands-on learning
Fifth graders at Centerville’s John Hole Elementary have an opportunity for more hands-on learning experiences this fall, thanks to a partnership with Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and grant funding from the COVID-19 Response Fund for Greater Dayton.
According to teacher Sue Kimbrell, the activities over the next couple of weeks are giving students a chance to start exploring many of the topics they’ll be learning about throughout fifth grade. Students have been exploring geometry, physics, ancient cultures, timelines, resources, balance of ecosystems and more. Some experiments have been done in class, while others have taken place at home.
For example, in social studies, students will learn about ancient civilizations like the Mayans, who believed the sun was of the highest importance. Hands-on learning involved going outside throughout the day to observe how their shadow would change based on the sun’s position in the sky.
They also received materials to do their own experiment at home.
A student in Kimbrell’s class commented, “I am so excited to learn about science and social studies this year. I wonder what we will be doing next week?”
“It’s clear that these introductory activities will help the kids get excited about what we’ll be learning this year,” Kimbrell said. “They’ll create interest in topics across all disciplines, which we’ll be exploring more in depth and complexity throughout the school year.”