South Boston, MA – Recognizing a unique opportunity to integrate the Old Colony construction site into the school’s curriculum, principal Barney Brawer helped to position the new development as a positive and tangible reality for students from K – 5th grade. Keeping the arts in the instruction of science, technology, engineering and math has become a decisive national agenda; however, Brawer and his staff are leveraging the design and development of the site to actively incorporate “real world” situations into the school’s pedagogy.
“We wanted to create a 21st century curriculum about the world we want them to know,” says Susan Goodman, Bostonbased children’s book author and creator of the “Perkins Blog”. Goodman was approached by Brawer last summer to spearhead his communication efforts as Author-in-Residence of the school’s progressive idea. “Students are engaged with relevant examples of what’s changing in their neighborhood applied through math, science, creative writing, and art. The “Perkins Blog” serves as a communications and learning tool for students, parents, and members of the larger community.
The Architectural Team, Beacon Communities, and Suffolk Construction are playing an active role in this innovative educational plan; other development team members are slated to do the same. Jay Szymanski, AIA, Associate, recently introduced students to the basics of architecture by demonstrating how a building is designed and constructed through practical math application. Teachers are using this as an aid in MCAS preparation. Hoping to further inspire young creative minds, Szymanski will also be providing instruction on the use of SketchUp, an architectural 3D modeling program, for teachers to utilize in their classrooms.
“Our goal was to make students excited about learning, while making math and science feel relevant, and introduce them to future careers in construction and green technology,” adds Brawer. “There is a lot of history in this community and this redevelopment truly represents the American Recovery and Reinvestment stimulus
dollars at work to help in its rebuilding and reinvention of who we are.” Phase One of Old Colony is on a fast-track with expected completion by the fall 2011, and consists of 116 affordable multifamily apartments, and a 10,000 square foot community center. Phase Two is currently awaiting funding.
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