Designing for Global Impact in Grade 8

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″ da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Grade 8 embarked on a 9-week journey to deepen their understanding of global issues and design a public product that…

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National Recognition of Middle School Impact Design Program

Ryan Welch was selected to speak at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) conference in February to share his insights on Impact Design Lab, the innovative Mount Vernon signature Middle School program he co-creates and co-teaches with Kevin Day, and Dr. Todd Wass. The Grade 8 program focuses on developing students’ people-centered problem-solving skills…

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Grade 5 Product Design Challenge to Benefit Kindergarten Learning

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_video _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_video][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] Design Thinking is a problem-solving method that emphasizes empathy and creativity. It helps individuals and teams approach problems from different perspectives and find innovative solutions. Grade 5 students recently put their…

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Introducing: Impact Design Lab

Introducing Impact Design Lab (IDL), a Mount Vernon Middle School designed class where students are taught to find problems and ask “How can I fix this?” instead of “I wish this was different”. Over the summer, we sat down with the three educational designers: Todd Wass, Ryan Welch, and Kevin Day to learn what this…

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Learning That Sticks: How Real-World Connections Deepen Scientific Understanding

What does it mean to truly understand a cell? In Grade 7 Science, it means being able to redesign it. Through a transdisciplinary unit that blends science, humanities, and design, students move beyond memorization and into mastery, applying complex biological concepts through inventive, real-world analogies they create themselves. For Grade 7 Science Teacher, Chelsea Kennedy,…

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Student Interns Powering Campus Collaboration

At Mount Vernon, learning is not confined to textbooks or classrooms—it is designed with purpose, for people. Our students are taught to ask questions, uncover needs, and create solutions that make experiences better. This is the heart of design thinking: designing for the user. That mindset is alive this MOD as Upper School students step…

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Lower Campus Curriculum Mornings

Designing Strong Foundations Through Content, Context, and Care Last week, Mount Vernon welcomed families into the heart of our Lower Campus classrooms for Curriculum Mornings, an opportunity to experience what makes learning here so innovative, engaging, and deeply personal. Each session was thoughtfully led by Shelley Searcy, Head of Lower Campus; Kate Canady, Director of…

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Mustang News Network: Student-Led, Purpose-Driven, and Poised for Expansion

In just two years, Mustang News Network (MNN) has grown from an ambitious idea into a thriving, student-led broadcast team that embodies Mount Vernon’s commitment to voice, choice, innovation, and authentic learning experiences. In an age where media literacy, digital communication, and collaborative work are essential, MNN serves as a 21st-century learning studio—a place where…

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Innovation Diploma Students Explore the Future of Entertainment

Innovation Diploma (iD) challenges students to think like innovators and be problem-solvers. A core element of the program is the “Future of” Design Series, now in its fourth year, which invites students to explore and reimagine the future of major industries. Following past explorations into retail, food, and air transportation, this year’s focus was entertainment….

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Ventures Brings Cutting-Edge Research and Tools to Our Students

Mount Vernon Ventures plays a crucial role in enriching educational experiences at our school, providing access to cutting-edge research, tools, and strategies that shape how our students learn and grow. As a research and educational consultancy, Ventures not only enhances the School’s resources but also generates non-tuition revenue, helping to support the long-term sustainability of…

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