NW Noggin recently collaborated with the Confederated Tribes of the Grande Ronde, the Oregon Pacific Area Health Education Center, the Native American Network at Intel, Siletz Valley School, and Amity and Willamina High Schools to bring 15 #sciart outreach volunteers (including undergraduate and graduate students from Portland State University, OHSU and WSUV), and storyteller, hip hop musician and educator Fish Martinez (a.k.a. 28 Tha Native) to Western Oregon schools…
LEARN MORE: Synapses, Stories & Song!
We were honored to welcome Catherine Caine, a second grade teacher at Waikiki Elementary, the 2015 Teacher of the Year in Hawaii, and one of four finalists for National Teacher of the Year! Catherine joined us for three days of #ontheroad STEAM outreach…
Post by Catherine Caine, Waikiki Elementary
Reflecting on my recent experience, traveling for three day with NW NOGGIN, my brain is a flood with emotion, and awe at the dedication of all the members. Their passion for science and the arts shined through as they interacted with the students.
The sessions were a skillful blend of neuroscience, art, music, and story telling. Students were initially quiet, and with few questions. However, with a gentle, yet persistent call for questions the typical classroom soon melted away into a community of learners. As soon as the story was told the connections to brains, arts, and science flew into every corner of the room illuminating learning at the highest level.
As I observed the days unfold it was evident that the students, not a set curriculum, was at the heart of each session. There is a deep listening and invitational atmosphere creating an inquiry based moment that serves the students’ curiosity. Like a sculpture, the path during the outreach adapts and molds around the students’ interest, needs, and questions.
Fish drumming with volunteers at Willamina High
As I was inspired to think deeply about my own practice and how it connected to this student centered authentic learning it was Fish’s drum that came to my mind. The drum was fed by the energy of the drummers, and I go home with many more drummers’ energy than I came with.
Catherine
LEARN MORE: Interview with Catherine Caine
LEARN MORE: Waikiki teacher among 4 finalists for national award