This week the Seventh Grade has experienced what it is like to be responsible for a newborn baby during their Choices Science Unit. The simulation involves looking after a five-pound bag of birdseed. Students had to
- Keep the babies safe, warm, and comfortable
- Could only leave their "babies" in daycare during athletics
- Had to bring their babies to lunch and all academic classes
This exercise helped the students develop an understanding of the commitment required in looking after a baby. As one student said "I never realized how much work is involved in looking after a baby." Another student said "you know, I am going to miss this baby after this project is over."
When asked "How does it feel to be a parent?" our students shared the following:
"I feel tired as a parent, and I can see why moms are so exhausted now. I don’t even have to feed, bathe, or do anything much for my baby outside of making sure he does not get hurt, but carrying him is enough to leave me more than tired after a school day of
lugging him from class to class."
"I hate it. If there was someone else to help carry things while I carried the bags things, would go smoother. In reality, I don't hate being a parent I hate being a single parent."
"My parents and my baby watched my game together from the sidelines, and I was happy to see my mother treat him with so much love. I have agreed to pay them by cleaning my room and washing the dishes tonight."
We wish the birdseed babies well and look forward to seeing them again next year. I hope you enjoy the pictures.
