About the Symposium

At noon on Friday, May 3, 2019, the doors to the SCM gym opened to students, families, and guests for the student-led climate change symposium, "From Knowing to Acting". The students in the Adolescent Community and High School began preparations over a year ago by first applying for a grant from the National Wildlife Federation. Once they found out they were awarded $6,500, they set into motion the size and scope of the symposium. Many months of hard work and preparation led to a day enjoyed by many in our community and by special guests.

The day began with student research presentations based on topics of interest that relate to the many aspects and consequences of climate change. Students gave 3-minute presentations, complete with visual elements, to fellow students, parents and special guests. High School student Ruth Scherschel commented, "One of my favorite parts of doing research on interesting topics is being able to share what I learned with others, and the symposium let me do just that! I loved all of the interesting conversations that I got to have, and I don't think that it could have gone any better."  

The Primary Library was converted into an art gallery that featured original student art and photography inspired by the environment and the effects of climate change. AC student Julia Lewis premiered her short film, Changing What is Normal: The Road to a Future with Climate Change, which she shot in Washington, DC during her 9th grade internship on sustainable building.

The day also included a bountiful feast of citrus kale salad; crawfish-stuffed mushrooms; stuffed grape leaves; deviled eggs; tomato basil mozzarella kabobs; lentil croquettes, loquat jam and chevre brochettes; cupcakes; and goat milk popsicles. The students based their menu on locally-sourced foods (within 150 miles), and included ingredients from the SCM gardens and items from organizations dedicated to ending food waste.

Scheduled within the daylong event were two panel discussions that focused on areas of concern and how can we address them and make changes small and large that could make an impact on reversing the impact of climate change. The student moderators navigated the conversation between the impressive and highly knowledgeable panelists and the audience questions from students and adults. Many in the audience left inspired and encouraged about how they can make a meaningful impact. High School student Vittoria La Matta commented, “Although exhausting and a bit nerve-racking, I am so grateful for this experience and so proud of each and every one of us for all the hard work we put in this past year. It was amazing to see all the students come together and share our knowledge to the community.”

Past Symposia

An important part of Montessori education is learning about and caring for the environment. In 2008, the AC students worked together on their first symposium, "Focus the Nation," to help raise awareness of the current state of our environment. The students came together again in 2013 for a symposium on water called, "Mind on Water."

 

For those past events, the community of students worked together on a deep-dive into the topics, then presented their work to the St. Catherine's community. The symposia featured keynote speeches by experts, panel discussions about the issues, and exhibits featuring the work of the students on their chosen topics. Student research projects were supported by professional mentors.

 

At the conclusion of the symposia students gave each attendee a bound volume containing every research project. The professionals in attendance commented on the quality of the work and the students' ability to speak knowledgeably about their individual research topics.