Nashoba Brooks School

As part of interdisciplinary work across science, humanities, writer’s workshop, and transliteracy, Grade 4 students engage with the?Invention Convention?which provides a hands-on opportunity for students to solve a novel problem creatively. With the timeliness and acknowledgment of?National Engineers Week, this STEM, invention, and entrepreneurship program starts with our students exploring their lives, and the lives of others, to identify a problem they are passionate about solving. An invention must: · Solve a real problem. · Be something that no one has ever made before. · Cannot be purchased in a store or online. · May be a clear improvement or addition to something that already exists. Throughout the whole process of Invention Convention, our students embrace the mindset of an innovator: staying curious, taking risks, showing empathy, and leaning into the challenge. Grade 4 science teacher, Ms. Russell, once shared, “We want students to see that with every problem, there is a possible solution that can be created through innovation. And all of the habits of an innovator can be used to formulate solutions to problems in our community and to make our world a better place.” What have our students done so far?? First, students focused on identifying the problems they want to solve, brainstorming potential solutions, and conducting research with peers to develop their ideas further. They practiced “problem mapping,” a process where larger problems are broken down into smaller, manageable sub-problems. This method allowed them to generate a wider range of solutions and explore alternative approaches to tackling the main issue. Students also learned how to effectively research their chosen problems, ensuring their proposed solutions are innovative and have not already been created. If they discovered that their ideas already existed, they revisited their problem maps to reevaluate their approach and explore new perspectives or solutions. Students then finalized their decision on the specific problem they wanted to address as they transitioned to the "ideating and design" phases of the process. Recently in science, students completed their blueprints and took the exciting next step in the invention process—building their first prototypes! These initial prototypes are being constructed using common household materials or upcycled items, reinforcing the importance of creativity, resourcefulness, and sustainability in the design process. Once their first prototypes are assembled, students will receive feedback to evaluate what aspects of their designs are working well and what areas could be improved. Using this insight, they will refine their ideas and begin constructing their second, more polished prototype.

Giving Day is coming! Show your love for Nashoba Brooks on February 13 to help support all of the wonderful learning moments that happen every day on campus and beyond.

Next Friday we are excited to host our annual Board of Trustees/Board of Visitors Day! These community members will visit classrooms, watch student performances, and experience the magic that happens every day at Nashoba Brooks. In addition, guests will be invited to engage with an all-star panel focused on building sustainable and thriving educational institutions featuring Anne Drapeau, Lynn Schenk, and Anthony Ryan (of Arrowstreet Capital, Limited Partnership).

This year, Middle School Math Teacher Duncan Flaherty, M.Ed. is conducting an action research project through a fellowship with the International Coalition of Girls' Schools on how using R.E.A.L. Discussion in math class can be a lever for improving girls’ feelings of self-efficacy! To learn how Mr. Flaherty has been implementing this new approach and what results he has seen so far, check out this recent interview!

This holiday season we’re celebrating the magic of girls’ schools — from the perspective of girls themselves! Nearly 2,500 students from member schools around the world weighed in on what they love about attending a girls’ school. We are so inspired by the shared community, empowerment, and joy girls feel in schools designed just for them. A heartfelt thank-you to the students who contributed such thoughtful reflections and to our member schools for their unwavering dedication to educating and advocating for girls. ?? beautifully illustrated by Jo Byrne of See Your Words

A few weeks ago, the Nashoba Brooks Robotics Club was welcomed on a special field trip to the Boston Dynamics Lab. This group took a tour of the facility, which included seeing different iterations of prototypes and inventions the Lab has created. Students were able to ask questions about the models and about the process of improving them over time. As an added bonus, students were allowed to operate a Spot? ("The Agile Mobile Robot"). These dog-like robots can walk over uneven ground, open doors, pick up objects, and complete many more complex tasks. While students were piloting their robots, they also witnessed several of the Spot bots moving autonomously through the building, executing the various self-automated functions for which they had been programmed. We are so grateful for this opportunity to expose our young engineers to this unique and innovative environment!

Watch this video to learn from alum Rachel Gloria Adams '01 about creating beautiful and joyous murals that have transformed public spaces and engaged the community, fostering diversity, and drawing visitors to Portland, ME.

We were grateful for the chance to host the Association of Independent Schools in New England this week as members continued their good work ensuring the futures of member schools.

Proud to see Olivia Cleary '11 featured in this CNBC article! You can also learn about Olivia's journey as a Nashoba Brooks alum in our 2024 issue of the Nashoba Brooks Bulletin: https://lnkd.in/dEw_p6c7