Grade 2: City Solutions for Country Creatures
Each year, Grade 2 students study Denver’s past and present, exploring how the city has grown and changed over time. This year, Ms. Carrie Vonderhaar’s class added a new element to the unit by learning about the National Western Stock Show and its role in Denver’s history.
As part of that experience, the class attended the National Western Stock Show Kick-Off Parade, seeing firsthand a tradition that has long been part of the city’s culture.
After returning to campus, students partnered with Innovation Specialist Mrs. Elizabeth Leddy for a Tinker Time design challenge. Using empathy as a starting point, they considered how rural animals might feel coming into a city environment and brainstormed ways to help them feel more welcome.
Students created design plans, built their inventions, and shared their ideas with classmates. Creations included a barn hotel in the city with views of the mountains, disguises to help animals blend into urban surroundings, and special restaurants, parks, and even ski slopes designed for visiting animals.
Through the challenge, students connected their study of Denver’s past and present to design thinking and problem-solving.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
