Tag: problem solving

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The Future: Clairbourn School’s Strategic Plan — “Clairbourn Forward”

Clairbourn Forward is the result of 18 months of thinking, dreaming and envisioning the future of Clairbourn School.

The Strategic Plan, Clairbourn Forward, commits us to move with purpose toward our stated goals and keeps us focused on the steps required to achieve these goals. We continue our mission of Creating Scholars and Leaders with Heart while inspiring engaged learners, critical thinkers and empathetic leaders to embrace the next phases of their education and lives with an open mindset, gratitude and purpose.

We are grateful for the collaborative effort from everyone in our community including parents, alumni, faculty, staff, students and trustees. The community contribution showed a strong commitment to Clairbourn’s vision and future goals. In the spring of 2024, the Clairbourn Board of Trustees approved the proposed plan, and we began to implement our vision for the future of Clairbourn.

As we begin this transformative journey, we invite you to support our efforts in making Clairbourn Forward our guide in the years to come!

Pillar 1: Supporting Our Clairbourn Community

Goal Statement: Empower and cultivate an inclusive community that embodies Clairbourn’s mission and core values.

  • Ensure families feel welcomed into our community through volunteer opportunities, educational programming, and intentional ways to connect with faculty, staff, and fellow parents 
  • Prioritize building enrollment and retention by attracting and retaining diverse, mission-aligned families
  • Explore new ways to connect with the broader community and continue to expand service-learning projects
  • Grow the alumni program to deepen connections to Clairbourn through mentorship, collaboration, and communication
  • Support the well-being of faculty and staff with programs and benefits that facilitate personal growth and wellness

Pillar 2:
Learning and Scholarship at Clairbourn

Goal Statement: Evolve an innovative and adaptable program to prepare our students for their future by ensuring academic rigor, intentional social-emotional learning, and independent thinking.

  • Support innovative teaching practices and programming to enhance student experience, well-being, and individualized learning
  • Create a shared understanding of the intersection of academic rigor, global citizenship, and Clairbourn’s core values 
  • Extend the innovation program into additional aspects of the curriculum, emphasizing design thinking and problem-solving
  • Ensure Clairbourn’s facilities are in service to exceptional teaching and learning experiences for our students and faculty

Pillar 3: Modeling Leadership at Clairbourn

Goal Statement: Attract, develop and retain a diverse mission-aligned faculty and staff who embrace the vision of the school and practice the qualities to create scholars and leaders with heart.

  • Continue to support ongoing professional development opportunities for faculty and staff to support their growth, enhance the program, and prepare our students for future success
  • Prioritize the well-being of our faculty and staff to promote the close community and open communication at Clairbourn
  • Develop and support a culture of leadership to support continued agency among faculty and staff

Pillar 4: Strengthening Clairbourn’s Future 

Goal Statement: Establish that financial stewardship and sustainability remain at the forefront of our exceptional educational program and dynamic student experience. 

  • Promote long-term stability and future growth through strong fiscal management
  • Engage in targeted community outreach to promote our mission, our resources and what programs we have to offer our broader community to cultivate a culture of philanthropy and support the strategic vision of Clairbourn
  • Invest resources to enhance the student experience such as our exemplary faculty and staff, innovative campus strategy, diversity efforts, and state-of-the-art technology
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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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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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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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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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Clairbourn Regatta: Our Annual Early Learning STEM Event

We are so proud to welcome back our 4th annual Clairbourn Early Learning STEM event — the STEM Regatta! STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. A STEM project like the Clairbourn Regatta blends elements of those subjects in order to introduce our youngest students to the idea of design thinking and the tools they are going to need in order to be successful in the world and workplace of their future.

In a world that is becoming increasingly complex, where success is driven not only by what you know, but by what you can do with what you know, we know it is more important than ever for our young students to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to solve problems, gather and evaluate evidence, make sense of information, collaborate on projects, and think critically. By introducing these concepts early and at a level our youngest Cougars can understand, we believe we are giving them the chance to become creators, thinkers, problem solvers, doers, innovators and inventors – not to mention highly successful students.

Parents from JPK to K came to campus to observe how our youngest Cougars were challenged with a design problem and how they came up with their creative solutions. The teachers and the students were so excited to share what they were learning. Our STEM event was designed to establish problem solving and critical thinking skills. Children were engaged in structural, mechanical, architectural, and civil engineering ideas. At Clairbourn, we believe in Creating Scholars and Leaders with Heart, and it starts with our youngest students!

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Clairbourn teaches students to use design thinking and problem-solving skills to be the leaders of the future.

We live in a world that changes rapidly and presents new challenges with no known solutions. We all saw this with the global pandemic. We were all thrust into a situation where we had to adjust our lives with no roadmap. It is certain that our students will face challenges in their future where no directions are provided. It is important for students to create, problem solve real world issues, code, design, question, research with discernment, and communicate in a variety of ways with skill. It is no longer enough for students to follow set instructions to achieve a specified goal. Rather, with the skills to critically think and the confidence in themselves, students are able to face and solve unpredicted challenges.

With the generous support from several Clairbourn families, the Liu-Peng Innovation Lab is now open. It was built during the summer and in order to redesign and modernize the space, we removed walls and posts creating a productive functional space. We also provided efficient HVAC and additional storage for the student tools and projects. We performed an electrical upgrade to ensure proper ventilation for new equipment. Finally, the exterior was modified to allow for direct access to the space. A ramp and new landscaping were added for the finishing touches! The Liu-Peng Innovation Lab, located in the Robert W. Nafie Building, contains robotics parts, tools, programing software, 3D printers, a laser cutter, Cricut machines, a vacuum former, workbenches, green screen abilities, and lots of supplies for creative problem solving!

Students practice a way of thinking and learning that is specifically designed for new challenges that need new solutions. The mindset where we embrace a process is called Design Thinking.  The process is non-linear but takes the thinker through a process that includes empathizing, defining, ideating, prototyping, and testing. In this process each conversation gives us perspective, each trial helps to improve, each prototype gets us closer to a solution, each “failure” gives important information, and each bit of feedback is crucial. Our students are going to get specific practice at design thinking. They will learn to work together in new ways and to build on each other’s ideas. As we walk through the lab, we can’t help but feel excited for the countless opportunities our students will have to explore, grow and expand their problem solving mindset!

Special thank you to all our generous donors. Mr. Alex Liu and Ms. Angela Peng were our lead donors, providing over half of the funding needed for this project. Mr. Jun Lu, Mr. Oscar Duan and Ms. Kelly Ling, and Ms. Fiona Zhang all made significant contributions to fund the other half of the project. These generous donors all shared our vision of a new space to support student growth. They see the potential in investing in our students to support problem solving and creative thinking needed in our ever-changing world. We are very grateful for their support, leadership, and generosity extended to our students and our school. We have much to look forward to!

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