Expo offers glimpse into variety of learning experiences
GOV. MIFFLIN SCHOOLS
Pottery wheels, poetry readings, a hydroponics garden, an open digital media studio, a study of U.S. history using crime scene investigation and an exploration of the laws of physics through mini golf.
These were only a handful of the 70 displays recently lining the halls and classrooms of Gov. Mifflin High School at the district’s second annual Mustang Nation Learning Expo.
Inside the high school, hundreds of district parents and students packed the hallways, perusing the projects put together by students from across the district’s six schools.
Each exhibit was a glimpse into the variety of learning experiences offered by the district, with students and teachers standing by to showcase it all.
One display laid out the struggle of an endangered species of monkey, and the efforts of a group of second-graders to save it.
“Save the trees!” members of Mifflin Park Elementary’s Golden Guardians reminded event goers passing by their display, which described the group’s project to raise money for the golden lion tamarind.
“The golden lion tamarind is in trouble because they lost their habitat,” said Krishanya Kamalakamhan, a second-grader and Golden Guardian. “So we have to help them.”
Mifflin Park Elementary innovations teacher Mark Engle said the Guardians were participating in the Philadelphia Zoo’s UNLESS Contest, where students can choose an endangered animal to help.
Engle said his students sold bracelets made of recycled plastic to raise money to buy new habitats for the golden lion tamarind at the Philadelphia Zoo.
In another area, students battled in a fierce competition — one that played out across a TV screen.
Middle and high school students with the district’s esports team showed off their skills in
Rocket League, pushing a giant ball around a soccer-like field with rocket-powered cars.
“It (esports) is up and coming,” said Zac Reitnauer, middle school social studies teacher and esports team coach. “Colleges pay scholarships for people who play.”
Kaiye Obiri said he enjoyed the competitive aspect of esports.
“It helps me collaborate with my teammates and challenges my brain,” said Obiri, a senior on the team. “When you win it feels great, when you lose, it’s a learning moment… you come back even stronger the next time.”
Elsewhere, sparks flew as students crafted s-hooks as part of a metalworking demonstration.
“It’s very different from the traditional sitting down and learning classes, it’s a nice break in between the lectures,” student Pacey Forsythe said of shop class. “I love it.”
Noah Bausher showed a mantle clock he made as part of a woodworking course.
“It’s really fun, we get to work with our hands,” said Bausher.
Bausher said he plans to keep woodworking for fun in the future, but Gabriel Iordanescu said he plans to get into welding when he graduates.
“We need welders, we need people in the trades,” Reed said. “Some kids are really good with tools.”
Parent Ashley Hewitt said her daughter, fourthgrader Madalyn Kuhns, worked extra hard on her project — a display about how the movie “The Tiger Rising” inspired students to learn.
“One thing I learned is that tigers can communicate with their ears,” Kuhns said. “And white tigers are extinct.”
Tiger ears and a tiger shirt weren’t all that Kuhns came equipped with — she had a list of tiger jokes ready and waiting.
“What do you call a
Christmas tiger that digs in the sand?” Kuhns asked. “Sandy claws.”
Hewitt said her daughter spent about six weeks putting her display together.
“They all did really well and they’re really excited,” Hewitt said. “They make all their own stuff, stickers, pins, outfits, slideshows.”
Hewitt said preparing for the learning expo helped her daughter improve at public speaking.
“I think it helped her present better,” Hewitt said. “She’s been shy, but with this, she doesn’t mind.”
In total, about 800 to 1,000 people attended the learning expo, according to Governor Mifflin officials.
“As a district, we feel that this event was a resounding success,” said Ashley Shannon-Huembes, district director of communications and community resources. “The Mustang Nation Learning Expo allows us to truly give our community a look inside our classrooms and an opportunity to see exactly what, and how, our students are learning. It’s a great experience for all involved.”