Stearley Heights Elementary School wraps up Summer Enrichment program

  • Published
  • By Virginia A. Turner
  • Stearly Heights Elementary School
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  The Department of Defense Education Activity four-week Voyager Summer Enrichment Program at Stearley Heights Elementary School June 27 through July 22 was a tremendous success!

Teachers, parents and students were excited for the program because it encouraged team work, collaboration and leadership skills. The program also focused academically on math and language arts. All of this was wrapped up in a package of Mysteries and Media Magic themes.

The Mysteries Adventures grades, kindergarten to fifth grade, split students into teams of detectives and scientists to uncover clues from the wonders of dinosaurs to the mysteries of their own backyard.

Students solved mysteries by conducting experiments and making observations, and by applying basic mathematics and language skills. Students defined the concept of detective as they discovered that a detective can also be a scientist. During simulations and information gathering, students were exposed to the process of deductive reasoning as they worked through the scientific process to answer questions.

Mysteries students assumed the role of "voyagers" as they explored some of the world's greatest mysteries. Individual responsibility and teamwork were emphasized as Voyagers learned to rely on one another and themselves as they gathered clues and evidence to answer questions. As a team of sleuths, they explored the wonders of both the ancient and modern world.

With their newly acquired detective skills, students used fossils and dinosaur bones to make discoveries about the past and then turned their attention to more current mysteries as they discovered the intricacies of optical illusions, the mysteries of magnetism, and the wonder hidden in the simplicity of the changing seasons. Throughout the adventures, voyagers were asked to use deductive reasoning to solve problems and understand the world around them.

In Media Magic Adventures, students in sixth to eighth grade explored mass communications in the United States in newspapers to mobile messaging. Students investigated the technology and history behind each medium as well as the numerous careers involved. Students published newspaper articles and learned about producing a radio spot and television pilot, as well as how develop a Web page. Students worked with partners, teams, and independently to complete the collaborative activity and assigned task.

Throughout the curriculum, students refined their skills in key reading and language arts objectives as well as using math skills to solve problems. The program offered great learning opportunities for every student who became a "voyager." Even the teachers and parents learned during these innovative, theme-based programs.

The tremendous success of the Enrichment Program would not have been possible without the support of the 34 outstanding volunteers from the military community. High school student volunteers assisted teachers and teacher-in-charge with whatever was asked of them.