Standard 7

Students engage collaboratively in authentic inquiry during ongoing units of study.

Students participate in STEM activities and challenges, in all disciplines, through tasks that practice and apply mastered skills. Our classrooms each have areas such as, a “Creation Station” to help students demonstrate an understanding of their work using multiple materials through activities of their choice. For example, a fourth-grade student created a mountain range, while using the Creative Station in class, to review the lesson for the day on multiplying fractions. In art, Spanish, and music classes, students discuss their work and demonstrate their understanding in creative ways. For example, in the music classroom, students worked collaboratively to write lyrics to an existing composition. Through our reading and language arts classes, our teachers plan for engaging activities using STEM concepts to develop and strengthen the students’ critical thinking skills. Teachers are highly encouraged to collaborate in order extend lessons across disciplines to make connections and increase learning.
Strengths include the range of opportunities our students spend learning through collaborative, inquiry-based practices in all subject areas. Students at Somerset Gables have opportunities to work collaboratively, in pairs, and with support of their teachers, throughout the week, to gain further insight into the current units of study. Data chats, observations, and feedback provide assist student our students to monitor progress.