Paradise Middle School students built a miniature greenhouse during Panther Power Hour last month. Submitted
Once a month at Paradise Secondary School, faculty, staff and parents gather to put a new spin on learning, but it's not necessarily tied to the classroom.
Hands-on, interactive activities make up “Panther Power Hour.” This day is a specially scheduled day where intermediate students collaborate on projects such as her STEM and art. Activities such as miniature greenhouses, scratch baking and circuit building have also been incorporated into the school building.
Approximately 40 to 45 students enroll in Panther Power each month, with several parents helping out. This lesson will help expand your students' learning horizons while giving them a “break” from the busyness of the classroom.
“Fun activities don't fit into school time, but we still want to do them,” said PIS Principal Christine Gage. “The kids have so much fun, and that's the best thing for me. I get to watch them learn and have fun together.”
Teacher Beth Buckner is the organizer of Panther Power Hour, helping with research, planning, and preparation for the lessons, as well as collaborating.
Paradise Intermediate student Sterling Hambrick displays a greenhouse built during Panther Power Hour. Submitted
We also had the cooperation of other staff members and parents. The feedback Gage has heard, from students to parents, has been overwhelmingly positive.
“I remember making bread at the beginning of the year to incorporate a chemistry class, and we didn’t have time to actually bake bread at school. , she said, “I had bread and butter for dinner and it was the best thing I've ever had!'' “They always ask what next month's activities will be and always look forward to it.”
Panther Power Hour not only provides an educational medium that may be unfamiliar to some students, but it also proves to be more fun than kids can fathom.
Realize that they are receiving a healthy amount of learning.
“This opens up the minds of kids who aren't interested in sports or athletics and gives them an opportunity to have something that they can make their own,” Gage said. “The kids are doing something other than sitting and talking on the phone. They get to use their hands and collaborate and see the final product. That alone puts a smile on their face.”
