In a groundbreaking initiative, Indian Hill Elementary School (IHES) students have been selected to participate in an exclusive science education program traditionally reserved for older students. This year, IHES has joined the esteemed ranks of JASON's Argonauts, a program that energizes STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) learning through immersive, real-world missions. IHES has creatively partnered with the Cincinnati Zoo to offer an unparalleled learning adventure tailored to the curious minds of elementary-aged students.
“To secure their spot in this prestigious program, fourth-grade students were engaged in a competitive selection process that showcased their knowledge, enthusiasm, and technological prowess,” said Indian Hill Elementary School Principal Whitney Buell. “Students were tasked with designing dynamic websites focused on endangered animals, a challenge set forth by their Project-Based Learning curriculum.”
Indian Hill Elementary School further enriched the experience through collaboration with Reading Elementary fourth-grade students, who utilized a detailed evaluation rubric to identify 12 finalist projects. These were then meticulously reviewed by Indian Hill High School biology students, under the guidance of educator Michelle Shaeffer, culminating in the selection of four exceptional IHES students: Alice Kommer, Raegan Wells, Emily Lemmon, and Ella Snow.
“During their Argonaut experience at the Cincinnati Zoo, these young explorers will assume the role of Junior Zookeepers, engaging in activities that span active data collection and biodiversity exploration to veterinary science,” explained Buell. “Their journey will be documented through field journals, allowing them to record observations and reflections on the diverse species they encounter, including a focus on plant conservation within the zoo's botanical garden.”
Assistant Principal Cash Hayden of Indian Hill Elementary School shared his excitement about this unique opportunity during a presentation to the Board of Education at the regular March meeting, “This partnership not only showcases our students' incredible talent and passion for STEM but also aligns perfectly with JASON's standards for exploratory and experiential learning. It's a testament to the creativity and dedication of our students and teachers, and a fantastic way to connect classroom learning with real-world conservation efforts.”
The Argonaut experience at the Cincinnati Zoo promises to be an enriching educational adventure, offering students a hands-on approach to learning about ecology, conservation, and the critical role of zoos in protecting endangered species. By fostering a direct connection with nature, IHES aims to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, underscoring the importance of conservation and the wonders of the natural world.
Photo caption: Indian Hill Elementary School students (L to R) Raegan Wells, Alice Kommer, Ella Snow, and Emily Lemmon joined teacher Loni Jackson during the March Board of Education meeting to be recognized for being selected as Cincinnati Zoo Junior Zookeepers.