An intensive, cross-curricular unit in English and science tasked seventh graders with a high-level inquiry this fall: analyzing how various stakeholders—from regulators to quahoggers—interact with and impact Rhode Island’s coastal ecosystem and communities.

The multi-week collaboration, led by Interim English teacher Elizabeth Savage ’85 and science teacher Caitlin Smith, culminated in a highly focused final assessment: students had to embody a specific stakeholder (e.g., Department of Environmental Management, quahogger, local business owner) and deliver a compelling, detailed presentation arguing that group's perspective on how RI should regulate shellfishing. A select group of finalists advanced to present before a faculty panel, demonstrating their mastery of the material and persuasive skills.

Winners this year were (left to right) Evelyn M., Adeline S., Priya L., Max N. and Noah H..

Key learning outcomes were built through strategic sub-projects:

• Critical Reading & Context: Students developed historical and economic literacy by reading the novel Swim That Rock and researching the local impact of regulations using the Value of Rhode Island’s Blue Economy publication.
• Ecological Understanding: Science activities began with foundational concepts like food webs, illustrating the critical balance of interconnected elements in an ecosystem.

The curriculum prioritized learning from direct sources, including a trip to Island Creek Oyster Farm in Duxbury, MA. Hosted by alumna Hannah Pearson '09, the visit gave students practical insight into aquaculture, including the process of culturing phytoplankton to sustain growing bivalves (oysters, clams, and scallops). The unit also incorporated a unique exercise utilizing movement, guided by dance teacher Lea D'Arminio, which allowed students to physically model the themes of interdependence and collective success within the community ecosystem. See below: