STEAM
On Saturday November 18th , JFK Robotics competed in the East of the River Tournament at Tolland High School . During the daylong event teams are judge on Core Values , an Innovation Project , Robot Design and Robot Performance . This year ’ s theme was Masterpiece , which incorporated the Arts in the competition . JFK ’ s team consisted of 6th graders who worked collaboratively to complete 18 missions . The team of 5 are led by Mr . Mitchell and Mr . Behling .
Physical Education – Health Department
Exploring Health Education Through Problem-Based Tasks : JFK Middle School Students Rise to the Challenge In the dynamic realm of middle school education , our commitment to fostering well-rounded and empowered students goes beyond traditional classrooms . Our health education program took an exciting turn recently as students delved into problem-based tasks to enhance their critical thinking , teamwork , and health-related knowledge . One standout task that captured the students ' imagination involved an innovative approach – the Tower Building Challenge . Instead of the usual lecture format , students were divided into small groups , handed an assortment of school supplies , and given a seemingly simple yet profoundly engaging objective : build the tallest tower possible using only the provided materials . One may wonder how tower-building relates to health education . Well , under the careful design collaboration between health educators Mr . Vaughan and Mr . Misseri , lessons were designed to transcend the surface and deliver valuable experiences in teamwork , communication , decision-making , and stress management – all integral components of holistic health education . Teamwork in Action The Tower Building Challenge pushed students to collaborate and communicate effectively in small groups . As they brainstormed , shared ideas , and distributed tasks , they realized that success depended on the synergy of their efforts . This activity mirrors real-world situations and reinforces the importance of interpersonal skills in maintaining a healthy social environment . Decision-Making under Pressure Building a tower with limited resources required students to make quick decisions , evaluate options , and adapt their strategies on the fly . These decision-making skills are transferable to numerous scenarios in life , including situations where students must make health-related choices swiftly and thoughtfully . Stress Management and Resilience As the towers rose and occasionally faltered , students experienced moments of both success and setbacks . This emotional rollercoaster allowed them to practice stress management and resilience , essential qualities for navigating the challenges of adolescence and beyond . The Tower Building Challenge , therefore , became a microcosm of life ' s highs and lows , encouraging students to persevere in the face of adversity . Health Education at its Best The Tower Building Challenge is just one example of our commitment to innovative , hands-on learning experiences . By integrating problem-based tasks into health education , we aim to empower our students with practical skills that extend beyond the confines of the classroom . As we continue to explore new avenues in education , these experiences will contribute to developing well-rounded individuals equipped with health knowledge and the critical life skills necessary for success .
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