A Corridor to Education
Viz educators are shaking things up in their classrooms and enhancing their curriculum this year thanks to the rebranded "Concept Corridor," which includes the Viz food science kitchen and makerspace area. The state-of-the-art food science kitchen boasts five prep stations equipped with all the necessary tools for students to use cooking as a learning tool. The fully outfitted makerspace is a collaborative environment for hands-on activities, complete with materials for students to unleash their creativity. It also houses cutting-edge tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, virtual reality goggles, sewing machines, and more, allowing students to deepen their understanding of various topics. The "freedom of use" model encourages both teachers and students to make the most of these inviting and innovative spaces.
Teachers are signing up to use the food science kitchen independently and integrating cooking into their curriculums. How, you might ask? It ranges from language classes cooking dishes from regions around the world to science classes creating the layers of the earth with pudding or health and wellness classes planning healthy meals. The Viz Middle School also has incorporated a cooking class into its Wednesday elective period, teaching students practical skills such as knife cuts, yeast usage, healthy meal preparation, and basic kitchen tool operation.
To promote experiential learning, teachers are bringing their classes to the makerspace to participate in hands-on activities. This type of learning increases engagement and understanding as students develop real-world skills, problem-solving skills, and creativity. It also fosters self-confidence and a lifelong love of learning. Our students have sewn dolls in conjunction with the novel, The Crucible, created 3D models of relics from Mesopotamia on 3D printers, recreated battle scenes of the Civil War, and so much more. There is always learning and fun taking place in the makerspace. Students also are encouraged to use this space to enhance the creative process when completing independent projects for classes.
Supporting our teachers and students in new and creative ways throughout the educational process is a priority at Viz. Whether it is insights on using the different apps on Promethean Boards, maximizing the various features in the digital note-taking app OneNote, utilizing DyKnow classroom management software, incorporating a virtual reality experience with Oculus goggles, or suggestions on innovative use of the food science kitchen and makerspace, Viz provides the tools and resources needed to improve our students' educational experiences at Viz.
Visitation Academy is an independent, private Catholic school offering a coeducational Montessori preschool and Kindergarten program, the area's only all-girl elementary program for Grades 1-5, and an all-girl middle school and all-girl high school.
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