In a bustling classroom at Lacey Spring Elementary School, fifth graders from two different schools huddle together around science equipment, their excited voices filling the air as they collaborate on experiments. This scene represents the beginning of a promising "sister schools" initiative between Lacey Spring Elementary and River Bend Elementary.
The partnership, which kicked off in March, brings together students from both schools to collaborate on hands-on science experiments, fostering both academic growth and new friendships across the district.
"I wanted our students to connect with others in the division for collaboration and connections," explains Tammy May, Principal of Lacey Spring Elementary. "Also, since science is an area of weakness for 5th graders, this was the topic to dive into."
The initiative began on March 17th when RiverBend students traveled to Lacey Spring to work on science experiments with their new partners. The following week, on March 24th, Lacey Spring students returned the visit, heading to River Bend for another round of scientific exploration.
This innovative partnership was made possible through a $400 grant from the Sister Schools Spark Scientific Discovery and New Friendships Across RCPS Rockingham Educational Foundation Inc. (REFI). The grant, titled "Sister School Science - Connections, Collaboration, and Celebration of the Scientific Process," was spearheaded by Tammy May and supports schools from opposite ends of the county coming together.
As described in the grant abstract: "'Two heads are better than one' is most applicable in this unique, multifaceted 'Sister School' science project. From video chats to hands-on work together, 5th grade student 'scientists' from two elementary schools from opposite ends of the county connect, collaborate, and dive into meaningful scientific exploration, inquiry, and learning."
During their collaboration, students explored fundamental scientific concepts through engaging, hands-on experiments. The activities focused on energy transformation, sound waves, and the properties of different mediums—all aligned with fifth-grade science standards.
Students conducted experiments demonstrating how energy transforms from one type to another, such as radiant energy from the sun converting to thermal energy, or electrical energy from batteries converting to mechanical energy in a fan. They also explored the properties of sound waves by creating their own instruments using tissue boxes and rubber bands.
"When the student plucks the rubber band, sound is produced because the rubber band vibrates," explained one student during an experiment, demonstrating their understanding of how mechanical energy creates sound waves.
The sister school initiative required careful coordination between the teaching staff of both schools. Three fifth-grade teachers from each school were paired together to plan the upcoming experiments and interactions.
"They are meeting virtually before the field trips to each others' schools to discuss the events and experiments," May shared. She particularly credited Tammy Stone for her instrumental role in "helping with the writing of the grant AND ordering the supplies needed for experiments."
While the current partnership focuses specifically on fifth-grade science, there's hope for expansion. When asked if the partnership might continue beyond these initial events, Principal May expressed optimism: "We have not discussed this, but I can hope that we will continue as Sister Schools with other events that we can plan for the future with other grade levels as well."
The possibility of extending the program to other grade levels and subject areas presents exciting opportunities for broader student engagement across the district.
Though families haven't been directly involved in the current activities, future iterations of the program could potentially include family engagement components, further strengthening the community connections being built.
Beyond the academic benefits, the sister schools initiative offers students the chance to develop social skills and form new friendships. By partnering with peers from another school, students gain exposure to different perspectives and experiences within their own community.
As the fifth graders from Lacey Spring and River Bend work together to understand concepts like energy transformation and sound wave properties, they're also transforming something else—their sense of community and connection to the larger school district.
Through this innovative partnership, these elementary schools are demonstrating that sometimes the best learning happens when we reach across boundaries to work together—a lesson that extends far beyond the science curriculum.
