For former science teacher Buffy Cushman-Patz, the best way to get students to understand the importance of sustainability is not to preach, but to help them reach the conclusion themselves.
Cushman-Patz is founder of the School for Examining Essential Questions of Sustainability (SEEQS), a new charter school opening its doors to sixth- and seventh-graders Aug. 5 in Kaimuki.
The mission of SEEQS — pronounced "seeks" — is to produce graduates who "will be stewards of planet Earth and healthy, effective citizens of the world."
Why a school focused on sustainability?
"It came from my own passions and interests," said Cushman-Patz, a geologist by training who taught math in middle schools and high school chemistry and physics in Hawaii. She holds master’s degrees in education from Harvard University’s School Leadership Program and in geology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Students will more likely remember what they learn from a hands-on experience rather than a teacher lecturing in front of the classroom, she said.
The key is to get students to examine questions and come up with the conclusions themselves through critical thinking.
Besides math, science, history and English courses, students will spend two hours a day examining essential questions of sustainability using all disciplines. Students will start the school day with physical activity. Significant school time will be spent outdoors exploring surrounding natural resources and the community.
SEEQS is admitting about 65 students for the upcoming school year. Tuition is free since it’s a public charter school, but a $100 supply fee is requested.
A diverse group of students already has enrolled, with a few openings left in the sixth-grade class and about a dozen for seventh grade. SEEQS plans to eventually offer high school grade levels.
Cushman-Patz is looking for a permanent location, but it will launch at Cottage Five on the Salvation Army Campus, 845 22nd Ave.
Students will have access to technology, including laptops.
"Our founding principle is that real-world learning comes from real-world experiences, and in the real world we use technology," she said.
Cushman-Patz provided an example of the kind of learning that will take place. If the subject is water, teachers would pose the essential question, How does water sustain us?
A week could be dedicated to field trips to such places as the Board of Water Supply, Reppun Farm and UH’s School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology.
One of the subjects Cushman-Patz is excited about discussing is food and where it comes from, which will involve a collaboration with Kapiolani Community College’s culinary program. She envisions a school garden around the campus and perhaps an aquaponics system.
SEEQS believes students’ and teachers’ voices should both play a central role in leadership.
Rather than taking the title of principal, Cushman-Patz prefers to be called a school leader.
SEEQS is seeking funds to help with startup costs, including curriculum materials.
For more information, call 677-3377, visit www.seeqs.org or email seeqsinfo@seeqs.org.
Nina Wu writes about environmental issues. Reach her at nwu@staradvertiser.com.
