Goldsworthy Inspired Art from Nature in Lower School

Lower School Art Coordinator Jess Grisafi writes,  "After studying the artwork of Andy Goldsworthy, 4th graders spent a spring day in art class, scavenging for natural objects among our campus to create a design project.  They scoured the playground, the paths, and eventually the Green Ribbon Trail, searching for beautiful, natural items and picking up any trash along the way.  The students brought their findings into the art room and went to work.  Arranging and balancing, making shapes and patterns, the 4th graders carefully laid out a design
that was beautiful and meaningful for them."

Andy Goldsworthy is a world renowned British artist and environmentalist who produces amazing site­specific sculptures and land art.  Much of his artwork is meant to be temporary, and is archived only through
photography. 

Lower School Nature Curriculum Featured in Neighbor Days

The Admissions Office in collaboration with lower school science department invited prospective families and community members to explore GA's rich outdoor curriculum during Neighbor Days. Designed to introduce students to Germantown Academy’s unique on-campus natural habitat—the wetlands, the event began with a walk to The Preserve to learn what wetlands are and why they are important. Other activities included using nets in the pond to search for creatures that make their home there and opportunity to make an artistic rendering of a wetlands habitat under the direction of the Germantown Academy LS Art Teacher.

2nd Grade Trip to Penny Pack

Lisa Martin, Lower School Science teacher arranged a visit for her second grade classes to Pennypack Farm and Education Center at The Highlands in Fort Washington. Education. She reports, "Director Diane Diffenderfer gave us a tour of their community supported agriculture (CSA) organic farming project.  We learned about sustainability and the importance of buying locally grown food.  We also learned about organic farming practices and producing food with high nutritional quality. Our visit to the Pennypack at the Highlands built upon our science studies of plants and gardening this spring,* as well our Health and Wellness initiative of promoting good nutrition."  Students saw firsthand the strawberry flowers and immature berries, soon to become ripe and ready for picking and tasted kale that overwintered on the farm."