Sixth Grade Boys Learn Empathy from Cross-Curricular Water Project

In the culmination of the Water for Life Project, our sixth-grade students recently embarked on the thought-provoking water walk. This initiative, spearheaded by our dedicated Middle School educators since 2017, is a testament to the transformative power of experiential learning.

In a symbolic display of empathy inspired by the novel A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park, our young gentlemen scholars carried gallon containers to the campus creek, traversing Princeton Academy's cross-country trail. The novel, weaving tales from Sudan in 2008 and 1985 of a young girl and a young boy, served as a poignant backdrop, with students resonating with characters facing daily challenges. "The girl, Nya, is fetching water from a pond that is a two-hour walk from her home; she makes two trips to the pond every day. The boy, Salva, becomes one of the 'lost boys' of Sudan, refugees who cover the African continent on foot as they search for their families and for a safe place to stay." This literary connection seamlessly fostered a deeper understanding of the human experience.

The project was not confined to the pages of a book; in Social Studies, students delved into the global issue of water scarcity, exploring its impact in the United States and around the world. Meanwhile, our boys showcased their ingenuity in Science by constructing water catchers. The cross-curricular approach of this project beautifully amplifies the learning experience for our students and reinforces the importance of interdisciplinary knowledge. 

Collaboration also took center stage as Princeton Academy students joined forces with their counterparts at Stuart Country Day School, fostering meaningful connections throughout the project. The Water for Life Project is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of education when woven into the fabric of real-world challenges. Congratulations to our students for embracing this holistic approach to learning and for embodying the spirit of thoughtful, interdisciplinary education! Thank you to Ms. Benditt, Mr. Geraci, Mr. Castillo Tatem and Ms. Jackson for bringing learning to life!

Check out photos from the Water for Life gallery on SmugMug!

Watch a video of sixth-grade students reflecting on the project after their walk with Princeton Academy's director of marketing and communications.