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From Ideation to Voltage: Wind Turbines Designed by K-8 Students

Students in kindergarten to eighth grade embarked on the full Human Centered Design (HCD) approach from the Stanford University (d.school) and IDEO to design windsocks, anemometers and wind turbines to harness the kinetic energy of the wind and convert it into electricity. We began by learning how to assemble the turbine base out of PVC pipes, followed by cutting, stripping and electrical taping motors wires and alligator clips threaded inside the pipe bases.

Next we brainstormed, or ideated as it’s called in HCD, Students drew plans and listed options for different variables including the material, length, width, angle and number of blades for their wind turbines. We researched what made turbines successful and learned some modern wind turbines use biomimicry to borrow from the serrated feathers of owls to reduce noise and increase output. With thousands of options, we narrowed the list down to the ones we had the materials for and, based on our research, thought would give us the best chance of success.

Students constructed hundreds of prototypes across the school and began testing them using multimeters to measure the amount of voltage their turbines generated when the wind blew via either a house fan or the Santa Ana winds. On average each turbine was able to generate around 0.15 volts. With 50 turbines in the school we could generate the same push as 5 AA batteries using just the wind!
 
Our engineers persevered through struggles learning each setback made their final product that much better on their way to their completed wind turbines. It was wonderful to see the students problem solve, identify what wasn’t working or what they wanted to improve and had the agency to fix it themselves. Special thanks to our I Lab teacher, Mr. Beaber for leading this year’s Engineering week and for all of his patience working with many students!

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Embrace Your Own Uniqueness. Let’s celebrate the courage it takes to be ourselves!

Imagine you have a box of crayons, each contributing its own unique color to create a beautiful masterpiece. Similarly, each one of you is like a special crayon, adding your own hue to the world. Being yourself means embracing everything that makes you who you are – your likes, dislikes and talents. But it takes courage to show the world your true colors, especially when others may not understand or appreciate your uniqueness.

Our world is like a giant coloring book, and each of you brings something special to its pages. So, embrace your uniqueness, be proud of who you are, and remember you’re all incredible just as you are. When you have the courage to be yourself, you give others permission to do the same, creating a world where everyone can shine in their own way.

We are Scholars and Leaders with Heart.

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Clairbourn students develop a profound appreciation for the intricacies of the natural world!

In the dynamic world of science education, Clairbourn students embark on fascinating journeys of discovery across various scientific topics. From Earth science and genetics to physics, our students are inspired inside and outside of the classroom!

Sixth grade students unearth the secrets of rocks and minerals. Their learning extends beyond simple identification with an understanding of how minerals form and the intricate processes that shape the three main types of rocks. A critical perspective is fostered by acknowledging the necessity of mining. Through hands-on labs, they simulate mining and reclamation, gaining insights into the impact of human activities on Earth.

In seventh grade classes, the focus shifts to the microscopic world of heredity, DNA and evolution. Students learn the art of genetic prediction using Punnett Squares, allowing them to anticipate the traits of offspring and reverse engineer the genotypes of parents. The discussions of genetic variation and the struggle for survival leads to a deeper understanding of natural selection, demonstrated through examples such as the evolution of whales over millions of years and the rapid shifts in the population of peppered moths in England over a few short years.

Part of our eighth grade curriculum introduces students to the fundamental principles of physics, with a focus on motion, forces and friction. Using distance-time graphs, students explore motion on both small and large scales. Hands-on labs provide practical experience, covering topics ranging from the effects of friction reduction to the application of balanced and unbalanced forces. Through these experiments, our middle school students gain valuable insights into the impact of changing surface textures and masses on motion.

We believe middle school science education allows our students to develop a profound appreciation for the natural world. By engaging in hands-on experiments and theoretical explorations, students are not only acquiring foundational knowledge but also cultivating a curiosity that will propel them forward in their scientific journeys. As these young minds search the wonders of rocks, genetics and physics, they acquire the life skills to become scholars and leaders with heart!

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A Vibrant Preschool Program full of Exploration, Growth and Connection

As we approach the end of 2023, we are celebrating the growth our preschoolers have made! From embracing Diwali’s festival of lights to a feathery friend’s recent visit in the classroom and outdoor adventures, our little learners’ days have been filled with joy, discovery and hands-on experiences!

At Clairbourn, we are passionate about turning each opportunity into a teaching and learning experience. Besides celebrating Dia de los Muertos and American Indian Heritage Month, students learned about Diwali. Each of these opportunities was designed to explore cultural diversity! They collaborated to assemble a Diwali puzzle and discovered the rich traditions of this Indian holiday through engaging stories. Small groups of students joined in the creative process of making lanterns and sand art.

Students have been enjoying many delightful and educational show and tell sessions. One family brought their pet chicken to school and our teachers turned this experience into a learning opportunity! They discussed the dietary habits of chickens while discovering bugs and worms are on the menu! The fun fact that chickens clean themselves by rolling in the dirt sparked excitement among the children. We love their questions and how they embraced this joyful visit!

Besides time indoors, we value outdoor exploration and take advantage of our beautiful campus. Students often go on outdoor adventure walks, discovering the wonders of nature. They were fascinated by the squirrels, spider webs and bugs they found! To extend the learning experience beyond the classroom, students took their scavenger hunt checklist home to continue exploring and discovering nature at home with their family. Preschool students have taught us to slow down and appreciate all things around us, big or small!

As we reflect on this year’s growth, learning and laughter, these recent activities exemplify the dynamic and enriching experiences our preschool program provides. We remain dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment where curiosity is sparked, friendships blossom and the joy of learning is cherished. At Clairbourn, we are committed to creating scholars and leaders with heart!

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Clairbourn Student Council Leads with Heart!

Red Ribbon Week is an annual event that takes place from October 23 to 31, emphasizing the importance of living a drug-free life. It offers an opportunity for schools, families and communities to engage in discussions about drug awareness and the importance of making good choices.

The Student Council planned a variety of activities to help students think about the significance of making positive choices in their lives. The theme for Red Ribbon Week in 2023 is “Be Kind to Your Mind. Live Drug Free.” Throughout the week, students are encouraged to reflect on making choices that promote happiness and health — this is the essence of being kind to our minds.

As we reflect on Clairbourn’s code of ethics, we think about how to demonstrate kindness to all, including ourselves! Being kind to one’s own mind involves not only speaking kindly to oneself but also practicing self-care, including maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, adhering to good hygiene practices, and exercising caution around drugs. Students learn how to pay attention to prescription drugs and to confidently say “no” under peer pressure, never allowing anyone to force or persuade them into dangerous actions.

Students from all grade levels connected with each other through a buddy activity in which they created origami hearts and wrote kind notes to themselves and each other. It serves as a reminder about the importance of making positive choices and practicing self-care.

It warms our hearts to see some of the students’ notes: “Believe in yourself,” “I am enough,” “I will succeed today,” “Always respect yourself,” “I am me,” “Think positive!,” “You are loved,” “Be yourself,” “You are unique,” “Trust yourself,” “I am loved,” “I am worthy,” “I am blessed,” “Always be grateful,” “I love myself,” “I am perfect the way I am,” and many more.

Thank you, everyone, for making a pledge and signing the school poster together as a community to demonstrate your commitment to being kind to your minds, striving to be your best, resisting drugs, showing empathy, standing up against wrong behaviors, seeking guidance from trusted adults about unsafe situations or dealing with potentially harmful people, and consistently making positive choices!

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Building a Strong Foundation: STEM in Early Childhood Learning at Clairbourn

Clairbourn’s preschool and kindergarten students had an exciting STEM learning experience, taking inspiration from the classic tale of Jack and the Beanstalk. The project centered on the scientific exploration of parachute design, giving our young students a fascinating and educational journey. Students embraced the design thinking process, an approach that includes empathizing, defining, ideating, prototyping and testing. To start, they had a special visit from Mr. Beaber, the I-Lab teacher, who discussed the fundamental principles of wind, gravity and air resistance. These concepts laid the groundwork for their parachute design exploration.

As they dove deeper into the project, the students began to appreciate the relationship between surface area, material properties, and air resistance, all of which are important factors in countering the force of gravity. Students learned through brainstorming, testing and hands-on construction of parachutes designed to ensure Jack’s safe landing from the beanstalk.

The design process included testing of various materials and parachute shapes. The students developed prototypes, expanding their creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Thorne, facilitated the parachute drops from a tall staircase on campus. These exciting experiments led to further design modifications and several more rounds of testing, giving the students the opportunity to refine their designs.

The highlight of this educational adventure was our annual Clairbourn Early Learning STEM Event, where parents actively participated, joining their children in building and testing parachutes. The event was a thrilling experience for all involved, establishing a strong collaboration between teachers, parents and students while reinforcing the hands-on STEM education at an early age.

At Clairbourn, we are committed to establish a positive foundation and design a program to encourage children’s natural love of learning in an environment where they feel comfortable, confident and secure. Children in our preschool program are prepared to enter kindergarten with a positive self-concept, the spirit of inquiry and critical thinking and problem-solving skills!

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Middle school students learn and build connections beyond the classroom

In our dynamic middle school program, our annual outdoor adventures offer students a transformative experience that goes beyond the traditional classroom setting. This year, our students ventured to the Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI) and Pali Mountain Institute for a three-day trip that broadened their horizons.


During their time at CIMI, students engaged in hands-on activities that allowed them to classify algae, study marine invertebrates and explore touch tanks. Using microscopes, they delved into the world of phytoplankton and zooplankton from the Toyon Bay’s seawater. These interactive labs laid a strong foundation for understanding ecosystems. Students also enjoyed going on a thrilling snorkeling adventure and witnessed a rich diversity of marine life, including kelp bass, opal eyes, blacksmith fish, shovel-nose guitarfish, sea turtles and the iconic Garibaldi, California’s state marine fish.


Beyond the water, students enjoyed guided hikes to learn about Catalina’s history and had the unexpected delight of spotting bison! In the evenings, they discovered the remarkable adaptations that enable deep-sea creatures to thrive through the Creatures of the Deep program. This knowledge enriched students’ understanding of biology, ecology and environmental science.

The annual Pali trip was an enriching experience for our six graders, with a focus on team building, leadership skills and outdoor education. They disconnected from technology and immersed themselves in nature. Students enjoyed many exciting day hikes in the mountains, zipline and ropes courses, and engaged in team-building games such as Who Stole My Chicken against their camp counselors. They particularly loved the experience of dissecting owl pellets which left them both fascinated and informed about the intricate world of animal biology.

Special thanks to our dedicated middle school teachers who chaperoned these trips and provided unwavering support and supervision, and ensured our students’ safety throughout this unforgettable experience.

At Clairbourn, we believe in the power of hands-on learning and curiosity. We love to create opportunities for our students to work together in teams, form friendships and build connections that extend beyond the classroom. Our outdoor adventure trips serve as a key component in our exceptional education in shaping young minds and nurturing a sense of connection to the world and one another.

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Middle schoolers engage in a diverse reading journey!

To celebrate the start of the new school year, our middle school students are enthusiastically exploring a rich selection of great literature! This literary journey promises to ignite their love for reading and expand their horizons as they dive into novels, poems, and essays from various genres and cultures. Eighth grade students are reading The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, a classic novel that examines the bonds of friendship and rivalry among a group of teenage friends from different socioeconomic backgrounds. The story explores the negative effects of a divided community, stereotypes and the power of empathy as a response to that impact. 

Seventh graders are embarking on an emotional adventure with Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech, a heartwarming tale that explores the complexities of friendship and self-discovery, the theme of empathy as a source of understanding and the role of stories in the human experience. 
 

In sixth grade, students are exploring the historical novel Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, which delves into themes of courage and resistance during World War II. As part of their novel study, six graders spoke with Ethan Paikowsky, a person of Jewish heritage. What made the experience even more special was the opportunity to have this conversation on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish faith. The students got to ask Mr. Paikowsky questions about his perspective on the book; his knowledge of the Holocaust, particularly regarding The March of the Living, during which he traveled to Europe to study the Holocaust with other Jewish teens and Holocaust survivors; and his experience as a Jewish person today in the United States. 

These three novels not only provide students with captivating stories but also offer valuable lessons on Clairbourn’s Code of Ethics – honesty, respect, responsibility, spirituality and citizenship!

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Outdoor Learning Space Expansion

This year brought many new campus upgrades thanks to our generous donors! We needed a new surface for our playgrounds, shade for the structures, and some new elements on the structure. We also saw a need to add outdoor learning areas to the fourth and fifth grade building which required a deck on one side and pavers and turf on the other.

Many families came forward to support the playground renovation for both our Randall Hall playground and the Seiter Center play surface. In addition, funds raised by the CFA this year supported this project. Thanks to the commitment to our students, we saw a transformation that will benefit children for years to come. This project began over spring break and, due to weather and unexpected construction issues, the opening of the playground was delayed by a few weeks. But this only made the playground more exciting when it opened. We were thrilled to see the happy faces of the students when they used the newly renovated playground for the first time. Today, children run, jump and play with sheer delight. A very big thank you to the generous donors and CFA for their support: The Clairbourn Families Association 2023, Xueyong Cheng and Aileen Chen, Victor Fang and Linda Wang, Feng and Liting Gao, Liming Gong and Jingbo Fu, Manny Grace and Casey Caffee-Grace, the Guok Family, Ellen He, Tom Luo and Eva Wang, Jingrong Shen and Jia Liu, Dr. Jianqiang Wang and Mrs. Hui Cheng, and the Wu Family.

The other big project was the addition of the deck and patio on the fourth and fifth grade building. Both of these outdoor learning spaces have made a huge difference for the classes. Teachers can expand their learning into these new spaces and take advantage of the lovely weather. It also helps to spread groups out and ensure collaboration is easy with less competing noise. Plus, it is a beautiful learning environment that matches our campus.  
 
None of this would have been possible without our generous donors, either individually, or through CFA. Thank you for making our playground renovation project and outdoor learning space upgrade a resounding success.

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Persist + Adapt = Succeed. A Growth Mindset!

Students at Clairbourn look forward to the Engineering Design Challenge every year where they work on their analytical creative, and problem-solving skills. Students in grades one through eight were given cardboard, foam tubing, craft sticks, index cards, chicken wire, and paper clips to design and construct a marble run that takes the longest and most predictable time for the dropped marble to complete the run.

We welcomed three engineers to discuss what engineering looks like in the real life. April Shewry is a civil engineer working for Lakeside Alliance on the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois. Chance Casas is a senior network engineer at HRL Laboratories in Malibu. Russell Smith is in the Robotic Actuation and Sensing Group at JPL in La Canada Flintridge. The three guests discussed their careers, the skills required for their jobs, and how they use the engineering design process. They provided advice for the marble runs, such as the importance of a strong foundation, the effect of friction, and strategies for utilizing gravity.

Ms. Vinnedge, our Middle School science teacher, and Mr. Beaber, our innovation lab teacher, visited each class during the build time to support students in thinking through their approach to the challenge. When it came to planning their own engineering work for the marble run, the students sketched, discussed, brainstormed, and imagined outside the box. We saw a variety of design thinking, from a zig-zag pin ball machine to a roller coaster design.

A growth mindset occurs when a person is not afraid to try, test, or experiment. When one is not afraid to make mistakes and adjust, learning occurs. Our students view challenges as opportunities, celebrate others’ successes, and understand that growth is a process. It’s exciting to see our students develop this mindset and progress toward becoming scholars and leaders with heart!

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