|
STEM education at Scattergood impresses guv
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · October 19, 2017
Gov. Kim Reynolds called her trip to Scattergood Friends School & Farm “very interesting,” especially with the integration of science and practical application.
Reynolds visited the private Quaker high school Oct. 11, touring the farm and sitting down to lunch with the students and staff.
“I had no idea about (the school) so it was very interesting to come and see how the school was operating,” she said after the hour-long visit. “I’m a big proponent of hands-on learning, and it really helps to see the students apply what they are learning. That’s how you get the best results, that sticks with kids.”
Some City of West Branch officials joined the tour, led by Scattergood staff and featuring a couple of students.
The students — senior Ian Zakelj of Indiana and freshman Isaiah Davis-Stober of Missouri — demonstrated their Farm Term project for using rainwater for irrigation.
Reynolds noted the math involved in the project, taking seven years of average rain falls, measuring the dimensions of the roof and factoring in the water necessary to sustain the plants through drip irrigation.
“They needed to make sure they were able to sustain them for the whole year,” the governor said. “That’s what it’s all about — real-world life experience — not just sitting being lectured to, but taking knowledge and solving problems and making sure their idea is workable and sustainable.”
Reynolds, whose office encourages more Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) education, said practical use increases a student’s ability to remember.
“Kids retain it, they’re more engaged — they love it,” she said. “You see them light up when talking about the mathematical problems they did to answer the questions. I thought that was great.”
Farm manager and humanities teacher Mark Quee led the group to the edge of a nearby slope to point out features of the 28-acre campus and, inside that, a seven-acre farm which features both crops and cattle. He noted that the school already harvested the sweet corn, but not yet the popcorn. The school currently has eight cows in its herd.
“We don’t eat meat at every meal,” he said.
The tour headed to the farm’s 20-by-40-foot packing shed that includes a refrigerated section, allowing the farm to store vegetables longer. Head of School Thomas Weber said “there’s not a lot of canning going on” right now to further extend the shelf life.
About 20 percent of the school’s enrollment is typically international students, Weber said. With 25 enrolled this school year, which he noted is low, four are from outside the country — Afghanistan, Taiwan and Kazakhstan — and two more will join later this year from Ethiopia.
Reynolds asked how Scattergood connects with families from so far away. Weber said the school’s web site and word-of-mouth, especially from graduates and staff, draw the most.
“A lot are looking for a farm school,” he said.
“That’s a great testimonial,” Reynolds replied.
Weber noted that “most students are not Quakers,” but each learns to “respect each individual.”
“When they recognize that, they can work collectively,” he said.
Heading to lunch, Weber explained that the group gathers at the sound of a handbell, will hold hands “quietly” around the table before sitting to eat, then staff will raise hands near the end of the meal to get the group’s attention for announcements.
Kitchen manager and cook Irving Treadway announced beef stew and nut balls would highlight the meal and pointed out the salad bar and fresh bread to guests. Reynolds served herself a salad.
About 45 people sat down at one of several six-person tables; Reynolds’ table squeezed in seven Scattergood students and staff.
During the announcements, Weber recognized the governor and two others who traveled with her.
“I’m grateful you were able to see the farm and what the farm provides,” he said.
---
Editor's note: This story was updated Oct. 26 to correct information on the school's canning program.
Scattergood is currently not canning food because “our facilities are not equipped to meet current state health standards for safe canning in a commercial facility,” Head of School Thomas Weber said. Instead, Scattergood dehydrates and freezes food.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
