Exploring Science Together

In a heartwarming display of community engagement and academic enrichment, Battle Creek Central students from Ms. Baxendale's Advanced Biology class recently visited Dudley Elementary to provide science lessons for students in kindergarten through second grade. The initiative was a perfect representation of the project-based approach to education offered by the Battle Creek Central High School Career Academies.

The students, divided into teams of four, were tasked with selecting a science lesson currently taught in the elementary school. Their mission? To design engaging labs, activities, or demonstrations that would offer younger students a clearer understanding of scientific concepts.

Ms. Baxendale shared that the idea for this project was traced back to a summer brainstorming session and gained momentum after she spoke with Ms. VanWormmer, a parent of one of her students and a teacher at Dudley Elementary. "I saw this project as an opportunity to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications," she said, adding, "That's what we're all about here in Battle Creek Central."

The experience not only provided an amazing opportunity for Ms. Baxendale's students, but presented an excellent experience for the Dudley students as well. After presenting their lessons, many of the younger students got to interact closely with the high school students as they completed their work or experiments. "It allowed younger students to see young adults in their community that are engaged in high-level academics and enjoy science and learning," Mrs. Baxendale shared. "It was great to see my students serving as such incredible role models for younger students who look up to them and will be in their shoes in just a few short years."

The Battle Creek Central High School Career Academies are small learning communities within the school that integrate traditional academic coursework with work-based opportunities.

All Battle Creek Central students are part of the Career Academies, turning the high school into a “wall-to-wall,” state-of-the-art education experience. The Academies bridge the gap between classroom experiences and career expectations, empowering students to excel in school, the workforce, and beyond.

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