Engaged and relevant learning at Dawson

Dawson School recently held two of its students' favorite annual events - Rube Goldberg Day and El Mercado. While one teaches science and engineering and the other is focused on Spanish, both are examples of the engaged and relevant learning that is a priority at Dawson.

RUBE GOLDBERG DAY: When is the last time you heard sixth graders casually having conversations with each other about a fulcrum? This marvelous annual event invites sixth-graders to create an unnecessarily complicated answer to a physical challenge (e.g. catch a mouse); then groups demonstrate their work to students in other grades, faculty, and parents. Design, engineering, embracing failure, and the best teamwork and problem solving you'll ever witness.

EL MERCADO! Where learning Spanish language and culture - meets - some merry mayhem. Each year, Dawson fourth-grade students set up “market stands” and sell their wares to the rest of Lower School - all in Spanish. Students are encouraged to practice bargaining in Spanish; older students pair with younger ones to give an assist and encourage community. A fun annual tradition; all proceeds went to charity!