Each 1^st and 2^nd grade crew worked with the Ms. Verdin, the drama teacher, and interpreted and dramatized a portion of the rock cycle.  This final product drove learning throughout the Expedition, as students studied the different types of rock and learned how rocks are formed and how they change over time.  As students delved into an in-depth study of rocks, they quickly became fascinated with different types of rocks and people who collect them. They met with “Rock Hounds” and created and shared their own rock collections.

Students recently dove into Science of our Toys, an Expedition that aims to teach students physical science concepts by studying toys such as the seesaw, tops, balance birds, matchbox cars, and the gyroscope.  Students have been given a series of challenges where they use their new knowledge to help them design devices (such as a toy that balances on their finger or a top that spins quickly).  Students are working to answer the question, “What makes a good toy?”. After being introduced to and learning about a new toy, students participate in discussion circles.  Discussion circles build students communication and oral language skills, as they have the opportunity to share and defend their opinions of the quality of each toy.  For the final product, each child is creating a book that teaches other children about the science they can learn through toys and helps them convince their parents to invest in these novel, exciting toys!

In this expedition, “Tools of the Trade” they investigated the purpose of tools in every day life. They learned about the tools used in various careers and how those tools make it possible to do a lot of things.  The second part of the expedition focused on tools used in carpentry and construction.  Students learned how to use saws, hammers, screwdrivers, tape measures, levels and even a power drill.  After weeks of practice an expert carpenter, Tony Mitchell visited the kindergarten crews to assist in a carpentry project.

The young carpenters thought long and hard about what to build.  They decided to build something that would benefit the entire Polaris community.  They created  8 kid – sized cubes that work as seats in the hallway and book storage.  Students then used  their knowledge of tools to create How – To books about their favorite tools.  If you’re ever wondering how to use a drill or a level in your latest home improvement project, just ask a Polaris kindergartner!

Photographs brought to life what it was like for African-Americans living down south in the 1940s-60s. Honing in on the murder of Emmett Till, students learned about the historical context of the 1950s, exploring the choices people made in the face of injustice and examining what made his murder such a pivotal moment in civil rights history.

Timuel Black, professor of American History and historian, visited Polaris to share his experiences as an activist in and beyond the Civil Rights Movement.

In the third trimester, students will embrace the history of Humboldt Park through the murals that are found in the community. Build an understanding of the relationship between a community and its public art, students will focus our attention on art as a form of social activism.

The performance was the culmination of the 6^th grade students’ original research of the Civil War and the history of slavery.  Cindy Rawlings, Vice President of Community Development for Wintrust Financial Corporation, shared “The depth of talent and passion was truly astounding, your students moved the audience and what a tribute to the great things happening at Polaris.”

The event was sponsored by the Madigan Family Foundation, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Foundation, Discover, Prairie Capital, Feldco, and Wintrust. Guests had the opportunity to purchase student artwork and to sponsor 6^th grade students for an upcoming overnight trip to Alabama, visiting the U.S. Space Center and historic Birmingham, in conjunction with their expeditions exploring space and the Civil Rights movement. The event raised over $45,000 to support the Expeditionary Learning curriculum, the core of science and social studies at Polaris Charter Academy.

What people are saying…

Congrats again on a great night Wed – and please share with all the people who put so much time and energy to a such a wonderful showcase of Polaris and its kids.  We were thrilled to be involved.
Chris Newton
Wintrust Financial Corporation