Temple Beth Sholom Schools Science Curriculum Kick-off is For the Birds

Temple Beth Sholom Schools (TBSS) in Sarasota, Florida kicked off its science curriculum for the second and third grade classes with a learning expedition to Celery Fields on February 11, 2014. Through TBS Schools project-based learning program, the excursion gave students a hands-on science lesson, as they learned first hand about vertebrate research currently being studied at the school.

“When we approach a new unit in science, it is important to look at the overall standards and decide how we can best combine direct instruction with hands-on experiences. We always want to be a part of what is going on in our community, and we want to help our students learn about their direct involvement in positively affecting their environments while making sure the students are receiving the important scientific knowledge that each unit is based upon,” said Barbara O’Brien, a second and third grade science teacher at TBS Schools. “It’s projects like this that help us show our students that they are a part of the community through hands on learning that they actually enjoy and learn from.” 

Jacob, a second grade student and future dentist, was quick to share his newfound knowledge of invertebrates and vertebrates. “Today we’ve seen about 10 birds, this is way more fun than sitting in class and looking at them in a book,” said Jacob. “Invertebrates don’t have a spine, and vertebrates do. We have been having a lot of fun, and we write down the birds we’ve seen on the sheets we got for the tour.”  The students were each given binoculars, clipboards and pencils, and a detailed bird-watching guide, to track and record what they saw to discuss later in class.

“The kids at TBS Schools are so enthusiastic and involved in their learning. We’ve never had a school come out with a prepared bird list before, and they are all so interested in what we have to say, and that’s very refreshing,” noted Mary Foster, a guide from Around the Bend Nature Tours through the Sarasota Audubon Society Celery Fields Education Program. “These students came here with knowledge and were ready to put what they learned into practice. They were so excited to use the binoculars, and we really weren’t expecting such great questions!”

Temple Beth Sholom Schools (TBSS), the only private Jewish school in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, is a Preschool-8 private school, open to all children and families, regardless of faith, religious or ethnic background. With a mission to impact the world through academic excellence, global citizenship and compassionate action, students are taught through Project-Based Learning (PBL) with a focus on teaching for understanding. TBSS encompasses the Justin Lee Wiesner Preschool program, established in 1974, which consists of classes for Baby Play and children up to 4 years of age. Additionally, The Goldie Feldman Academy (GFA), an expansion of the Justin Lee Wiesner Preschool, was established in 1992 and encompasses students from kindergarten through 8th grade. Our curriculum and values center on The Kavod Code, which means honor and respect in Hebrew, and is based on principles that provide a framework for living and working together in an atmosphere of honesty, integrity, mutual trust and respect.  While the school is affiliated with Temple Beth Sholom, TBSS hires staff and accepts students of every religious and cultural background. TBS Schools is accredited by Florida Kindergarten Council along with the Florida Council of Independent Schools.

For more information about TBS Schools, go to www.tbsschools.org