Energy. Nature. Balance.

Our third graders have embarked on a long-term interdisciplinary unit integrating the arts, science, social studies, English language arts, and math. With a focus on Japan, the students have learned about Japanese culture, geography, and history.  A study of energy (nuclear, fossil, renewable) was utilized to understand how humans interact with energy while balancing the need to respect nature (including benefit/risk assessments).  A special emphasis was placed on the medieval Muromachi Period when Japanese arts and culture were especially attuned to nature. An artist study focused on the work of Isamu Noguchi, a Japanese-American sculptor, whose abstract sculptures inspired the students. In a unique collaboration with Elizabeth Nields, conducted at her studio in Gilbertsville, N.Y., the third graders designed and constructed five ceramic sculptures to be installed in Riverside School’s garden. Each sculpture represents a message from the student-artists about the fragile relationship between people, energy, and nature. This program is funded through a competitive grant from the New York State Council of the Arts and is administered by the Chenango County Council on the Arts.  Congratulations to Mr. Sider for writing the grant proposal and being selected for funding.