In October, Lower School Science Teacher Debra Simpson, LS Art Teacher Lauren Behar, and Upper School Science Teacher Michael Hirsch participated in Mercy University’s “For the Love of STEM” conference for K-12 teachers and administrators.

Hosted by Mercy’s Center for STEM Education, the conference offered tailored professional development through programs designed by full-time faculty, STEM education professionals, and master teachers to empower educators with hands-on training in engineering, robotics, curriculum design, and more.

Ms. Simpson and Ms. Behar led a presentation about STEAM in elementary grades with emphasis on collaboration across disciplines. They highlighted RCDS’s third and fourth-grade STEAM projects, providing examples such as the Gratitude/ Kindness miniature parade as well as the Pourquoi Story robot environments. 

Mr. Hirsch led a presentation about his unit on the links between the flow of information and the allure of disinformation. He discussed how brains differentially process information and the roles that different body systems play in modulating individual responses. The lesson centered on a unique means by which teachers can present class content in a way that builds sensemaking and applications of theory for students.

Many thanks to Ms. Simpson, Ms. Behar, and Mr. Hirsch for sharing their insights with fellow educators and representing Rye Country Day’s commitment to excellence in education through continued professional growth.