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Believing in Baltimore's Best
Bryn Mawr sixth graders are on the move as part of a place-based learning program, Believing in Baltimore's Best, aimed at inspiring the next generation of community leaders. Throughout the year-long program, Middle Schoolers engage with the history, arts, and culture of the City of Baltimore both on and off campus.
Middle School science teacher Lora Peters is one of the faculty members spearheading the project. She believes in Baltimore and wants Bryn Mawr students to learn more about the city so that they can be committed to and invested in its future. One of her goals for the program is “to instill a love of our city in our students so that they become aware of the possibilities and go beyond the headlines.”
Believing in Baltimore's Best promises students “hints of history, acres of art, dollops of drama, morsels of math, snippets of science and loads of leadership” as they explore the city and ignite teamwork, engagement, agency, and community involvement. “Our faculty has so many creative ideas to bring the geography, demographics, history, art and culture to life for our students in authentic ways,” said Middle School Director Amanda Macomber.
The program started with a service learning component, as sixth graders organized a Socktober sock drive for the Middle School to benefit the House of Ruth. Students were encouraged to bring in items of clothing that can be overlooked in donation drives, specifically socks and undergarments for women and girls.
This winter, they attended a performance of The Nutcracker at Baltimore School for the Arts, a reimagined production set in Baltimore’s Mount Vernon neighborhood. The class then fanned out to other Baltimore gems, including the Enoch Pratt Free Library, the Peabody Conservatory, and the Walters Art Museum, connecting with Bryn Mawr alumnae, parents and faculty at each location.
Sixth grade Baltimore resident Demi Myers opted to visit the Walters Art Museum during the field trip and enjoyed sketching in her sketchbook and learning about the history of the museum. She remarked, “I think it’s important for the students to know that their school is in Baltimore and to know the community around Baltimore.”
This spring, the class will focus on science and environmental conservation with a visit to the Inner Harbor. They’ll also stop by Camden Yards to see the O’s play this spring. To culminate the program, sixth graders will complete a hands-on project during which they design their ideal Baltimore City while reflecting on the knowledge and perspectives they gained throughout the year. Students can create a 3-D printed scale model using recycled materials, create a website, a guidebook or a video to present their city. “I always love finding ways for our students to see their own agency in the world. They have big hearts and bold ideas, and I want them to have the confidence to put these things together now and in the future,” Macomber said.
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Middle School science teacher Lora Peters is one of the faculty members spearheading the project. She believes in Baltimore and wants Bryn Mawr students to learn more about the city so that they can be committed to and invested in its future. One of her goals for the program is “to instill a love of our city in our students so that they become aware of the possibilities and go beyond the headlines.”
Believing in Baltimore's Best promises students “hints of history, acres of art, dollops of drama, morsels of math, snippets of science and loads of leadership” as they explore the city and ignite teamwork, engagement, agency, and community involvement. “Our faculty has so many creative ideas to bring the geography, demographics, history, art and culture to life for our students in authentic ways,” said Middle School Director Amanda Macomber.
The program started with a service learning component, as sixth graders organized a Socktober sock drive for the Middle School to benefit the House of Ruth. Students were encouraged to bring in items of clothing that can be overlooked in donation drives, specifically socks and undergarments for women and girls.
This winter, they attended a performance of The Nutcracker at Baltimore School for the Arts, a reimagined production set in Baltimore’s Mount Vernon neighborhood. The class then fanned out to other Baltimore gems, including the Enoch Pratt Free Library, the Peabody Conservatory, and the Walters Art Museum, connecting with Bryn Mawr alumnae, parents and faculty at each location.
Sixth grade Baltimore resident Demi Myers opted to visit the Walters Art Museum during the field trip and enjoyed sketching in her sketchbook and learning about the history of the museum. She remarked, “I think it’s important for the students to know that their school is in Baltimore and to know the community around Baltimore.”
This spring, the class will focus on science and environmental conservation with a visit to the Inner Harbor. They’ll also stop by Camden Yards to see the O’s play this spring. To culminate the program, sixth graders will complete a hands-on project during which they design their ideal Baltimore City while reflecting on the knowledge and perspectives they gained throughout the year. Students can create a 3-D printed scale model using recycled materials, create a website, a guidebook or a video to present their city. “I always love finding ways for our students to see their own agency in the world. They have big hearts and bold ideas, and I want them to have the confidence to put these things together now and in the future,” Macomber said.
