The presentations coincided with the arboretum’s new garden installation that examines the effects of climate change on the region’s plant life. In addition to the presenters, Hershey Montessori ninth-grade biology students planted trees for the new Climate Change Garden, which opened last spring.
“The students have had lessons and given presentations about the past, present, and future of climate change, and they understand the urgency of the issue,” says Rachel McKinney, director of Hershey Montessori Upper School’s science program.
The school’s integrated science class provides credit in chemistry and physical science over a two-year project. The work includes studies in energy, climate change, the use of resources, water issues, and the role of technology and science in health care.
Hershey Montessori also practices what it teaches. The Upper School’s new academic building is constructed according to the sustainable building standard of the Passive House Institute of the United States. Hershey Montessori Upper School is the first school in the Midwest to follow the standard, which was developed in Germany to cut buildings’ energy consumption by up to 90 percent and drastically reduce the production of greenhouse gases.
Photo courtesy Hershey Montessori School/Danielle Brassard
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