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Vernon Elementary students showcase independent research at Atlantis Program Symposium
Students in James H. Vernon Elementary School's Atlantis Program transformed the school's new athletic complex into a vibrant research showcase on Jan. 14, presenting independent projects that ranged from wildlife management to philosophical inquiry.
The symposium featured interactive displays where fourth through sixth grade students shared months of research with parents and guests, fielding questions and demonstrating their expertise on topics they had explored in depth.
The Atlantis Program, an enrichment initiative led by teacher Joanne Loring, guides qualified students through progressively sophisticated levels of independent research. Fourth graders learn to develop strong research questions, fifth graders study what it means to become an expert in a subject and sixth graders focus on creating action-oriented projects that emphasize innovation.
Students approached their research questions through diverse mediums that reflected their individual strengths and interests. Some built websites to document their findings, while others created tri-fold board displays or authored books to share their discoveries.
The breadth of topics demonstrated students' willingness to tackle complex, real-world issues. Projects explored questions including how humans can safely coexist with rising deer populations, how cultural differences between China and America affect approaches to education and how prosthetic limb technology can be advanced for future users.
Other students examined philosophical questions, such as how optimism influences thinking, or ethical dilemmas, including why animal lovers might support cosmetic surgeries for pets that some consider cruel. One student created original artwork to convey concerns about social media's impact on youth, while another analyzed Vernon School's environment to identify improvements that would benefit students with colorblindness.
The symposium highlighted the program's success in fostering academic curiosity and critical thinking skills while encouraging students to pursue knowledge in areas meaningful to them.
