Eagle's Eye
The Scoop on Innovation and Technology at KCDS
Why Your KCDS Student Has An Advantage
Not only are we incorporating computer science into our curriculum, but KCDS students are also taking an active role in the learning experience through Design Thinking. (https://www.smore.com/1rqf9) Again, when I mentioned this to an area public school principal, he said he was not familiar with Design Thinking. KCDS is again leading the way by giving our students meaningful and engaging experiences which teach and strengthen the 21st Century skills we know your students will need. I can't think of a better way to learn community citizenship, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills than by going into the community and taking on issues that need a solution. Our fourth graders have done just that! In a couple of weeks they will take their inventions back to the Oakland Center and present their solutions to the users.
This is the kind of meaningful, engaging education we value here at KCDS. All grades, Senior Kindergarten through sixth grade have had an opportunity to experience the Design Thinking Process this year. A process, that by nature, allows students to think analytically and intuitively, build and tinker, incorporate technology, and most of all, collaborate and build creative confidence, something that is truly lacking in most schools. Our students are arriving at a real solution that is meaningful and relevant to the students and the end-user. At KCDS, we are purposefully guiding and creating innovators of the future.
Looking Forward
- Online Student Driven Portfolios for PK-8
- 20% Time for Middle School with a possible Mini MakerSpace
- A "Zines" class/elective for Middle School-an entrepreneurial magazine writing class
- Coding Buddies (Younger and older students paired for coding projects)
- Level Up Village STEM elective for Middle School (Collaborative course with a class in a developing country)
- Two Wonder Workshop Robotics teams for grades 3-5 (Dash and Dot Robots)
- Lego Mindstorm Robotics Club for Middle School (after school)
- More Design Thinking projects involving our community
Kalamazoo Country Day School
Email: akava@mykcds.org
Website: kalamazoocountryday.org
Location: 4221 E Milham Ave, Portage, MI, United States
Phone: (269)329-0116
Facebook: facebook.com/KalamazooCountryDaySchool
Twitter: @kcdseagles