Fostering Innovation Within the Classroom and Beyond
The following pages describe how new ways of learning and teaching are underway at D-E, in all three divisions.
A Conversation with Shefali Nefdt, AP Biology & IBC IIA Conversation with
With over 20 years in teaching science around the world, Shefali Nefdt is a seasoned and passionate science educator, “I’m not a teacher that believes in too much lecturing,” Shefali said, “I like to give ownership of learning to my students. So here I am a...
A Conversation with Hyo Kim, 8th Grade Science
In her third year at D-E, Hyo Kim has found her footing in Middle School. “I’ve taught almost all the grades in my career. Lower School is wonderful because everything is amazing; everything you do is brand new. While in the Upper School, you can really push students...
D-E Robotics Team Critical Mass 207 Compete at “Worlds” in Houston!
Earlier this spring and halfway across the country in Houston, Texas, the D-E Robotics’ “varsity squad” – Team Critical Mass 207 – was busy at work at the highly competitive, intense, and exciting 2023 FirstTech Challenge World Championships. With a little bit of...
Odyssey of the Mind
In a nutshell, Odyssey of the Mind (OOTM) is a competitive problem-solving competition that combines STEM and the performing arts. Students choose one of 5 problems; the categories stay the same from year to year but the theme, criteria, and constraints change yearly....
Science Olympiad
Founded in 1984, Science Olympiad is the premier team STEM competition in the nation, providing “standards-based challenges” to 6,000 teams at 425 tournaments in all 50 states. Colleen Larianoff, D-E Innovation Coordinator, explains, “Science Olympiad challenges...
A Closer Look at STEM, Research and Innovation Initiatives at D-E
The features here are the first in a new D-E Today editorial series on STEM, research and innovation initiatives, in both teaching and in learning. Thanks to how D-E’s STEM-related academic offerings are taught, as well as fascinating co-curricular offerings such as...
Surrealism Exhibit explores new ways of thinking in Art & Design
Inspired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s “Surrealism Beyond Borders” exhibit this past fall, D-E’s Promotional Arts Society (PAS) and the Visual Arts Department curated their own exhibit, “Surrealist Visions: A Collective Showing.” Gathering 41 participants from...
More to the Middle: Innovative Teaching in Middle School
Middle School Principal Jonathan Davis understands that adolescence is hard. He noted that, “No one wrote a book called ‘Middle School: The Best Years of my Life,’ ” Our culture’s associations with middle school are often flooded by memories of embarrassment and...
Lower School Science
“Innovation must start with our youngest minds and thinkers.” This philosophy drives Lower School Science teachers, Julie Pugkhem and Yi Li, who are tasked with fostering students’ curiosity and critical thinking skills. Now in her eighth year at D-E, Julie works...
Upper School Robotics Teams Push the Innovation Envelope
In the past 10 years, Upper School Robotics has trailblazed its own thriving cultural scene at D-E. Now with three official teams, the extracurricular program only continues to grow. Coached by Chris Fleisch, the teams have been able to compete in state and regional...