17 Immersion by Lisa Conrad, Head of School Immersion is a biannual, co-curricular Park academic class beginning in Grade 7 that engages students in a yearlong study centered on a particular topic or geographical area of interest. It culminates in a weeklong experience in May, providing students with opportunities to further learn and explore through firsthand experience what they’ve been researching and studying. Offerings range from oncampus experiences and local day trips to stateside and international excursions. Last year, students in Grades 7 and 8 spent the year studying: •The ecosystem of the Florida Everglades, the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. Snorkeling, kayaking through mangroves, exploring the natural beauty and wildlife of the area and observing endangered species provided the students opportunities to experientially ground what they learned in class within the context of the actual Everglades environment. •Maritime culture, hand tools, and craftsmanship for building and shaping their own wooden canoe paddle, which would later become a free pass to wooden boat rentals at Hoyt Lake in Delaware Park in Buffalo. Learning outcomes for this Immersion experience included an increased proficiency in STEM principles; an increased sense of teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills; and an increased proficiency in craftsmanship and the responsible use of hand and power tools. In the Upper School, a variety of academic Immersion programs were offered, including: •Studying the rich history, culture, and vibrant art scene of Denmark. •The diverse landscape, abundant wildlife, and geothermal features of Yellowstone National Park. Our students recorded seeing 80 different wildlife species on their trip, and were granted opportunities to explore science, history, and ecology firsthand. • Enhancing various academic disciplines and cultivating a further love for the arts through immersive experiences in New York City, including on Broadway. Students were provided access to live performances, behind-the-scenes insights, and engaging workshops throughout the year. •A comprehensive preparation phase for service and culture learning in the Dominican Republic. This eight-day international practicum involved repairing a home for a family, guided group reflections, and building relationships with the host community. The Dominican Republic Immersion provided a challenging but significantly rewarding experience of personal growth for those involved. •A rich focus on learning about Costa Rica's most spectacular and bio-diverse areas. There were opportunities to have firsthand experience and knowledge of the landscape and wildlife, as well as the local culture. In addition, students who were taking Spanish at Park Florida Everglades Denmark Buffalo Maritime Yellowstone “Immersion taught me that there are good things everywhere in the world, and always more to explore. We got to see so many sides of a culture we’d never experienced.” - Jee Jee Houghtaling, Grade 10, on her Immersion to Costa Rica
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTcyNDA=