Spartan Snapshot: Scientific Inquiry Across Divisions

Finding ways to create lasting connections between our students is what SPA is all about. And what better way to do that than through a science experiment?

As many people know, we recently launched our PreKindergarten program on the campus of St. Catherine University. But the St. Kate’s pond is a known destination to our Grade 7 science students, who walk there every year to collect a water sample to test while they learn about watersheds and pollution.

But this year, SPA science faculty Khalena Wickstrom (PK science teacher) and Molly McMahon (Middle School science teacher) collaborated to develop a lesson that included our youngest learners. Grade 7 students were paired with a PK buddy and, together, they completed a scavenger hunt as they walked to the pond. They made observations and predictions about the water quality.

Not only did our students build their scientific inquiry skills, but they shared a positive experience and built lasting connections. The Spartan scientists are even staying in touch through letters of appreciation and thank you notes to their buddies. Way to go, Spartans!