How Holmes Classrooms are Getting Cross-Curricular

Some 7th Grade Science students got a lesson not only in the phases of the moon, but also in poetry. Jim Duff was struck with an opportunity, "Such an incredibly beautiful an dethereal subject  was receiving a fairly dry and clinical treatment in my class." Mr. Duff decided to spice things up a bit. 

The moon is the subject of many works of creativity, including songs, artwork, and poetry. Mr. Duff was inspired by the haiku, which typically deals with the beauty of nature. In particular, he was taken by the work of Haiku master Matsuo Basho:

"Autumn moonlight-- 

a worm digs silently 

into the chestnut."

And so were the students. Mr. Duff split the classroom into groups and assigned them a phase of the moon. Once all the groups were in position, they were tasked with writing a haiku of their own. 

Students were able to channel their creativity in the science classroom. This is but one example where every Holmes student is challenged to think outside the box every day. Keep a look out for more haiku masters and poets coming out of Holmes Jr. High.