How and Why Videos

The idea is a simple one, really. We ask teachers how they teach. And by asking a couple of simple questions, a conversation and deeper dive into the educational passion of teachers starts.

There are two basic questions we ask: First: how do you teach this? What are the best ways to dive into the history and still then let the students go hands-on and what-it-means-today with their learning? What kind of depth of study are you teaching? How do they tackle a particular unit of study? And then, why are you teaching this? What makes it important?

And that’s where the magic is; when the enthusiasm for teaching comes across in a conversation in front of a camera, we can probably be guaranteed that a similar passion and joy make it to the students, and they become immersed in that learning and enthusiasm. Maybe it is printmaking with art teacher Chrissy Sweigart. Or working with science teacher David Schuth on figuring out how to protect an egg from cracking when dropped from 40 feet. Or making Bio Bottles and learning about historical figures with 2nd Grade teacher Deb Stewart.

With the digital series called “How and Why”, we talk to Sycamore teachers and ask them those simple questions. The answers nearly every time go back to the students; they learn, question beliefs, and push the teachers to be ready at all times.

How does that work? Why isn’t this working for me? How can we make it better?

The first episode features Sycamore science teacher Brad Lowell, and a peek at the annual 6th Grader trip to Florida and MarineLab. He talks about Indiana kids in Florida, why the experience is really about a bigger picture, and how it’s about more than just science.

watch episode 1: Science and MarineLab with Brad Lowell
watch episode 2: Art and Printmaking with Chrissy Sweigart
watch episode 3: 1st Graders and Communication Fair with Jennifer Hendry
watch episode 4: Physics and the Egg Drop with David Schuth
watch episode 5: The Biography Bottles Idea with Deb Stewart

About Sycamore

“Sycamore School exists so that academically gifted students can experience the enriched, accelerated education they need to reach their potential and to lead responsible, constructive, fulfilling lives.”

At Sycamore School, we understand that gifted children need a special education, and our mission reflects our focus and drive.

There are few schools in the country with such a clear focus and unique commitment to providing an appropriate education for gifted learners. Our dedicated faculty members are specifically trained and experienced in the education of gifted children. They understand not only the intellectual needs but also the special social and emotional needs of these children.

Our faculty write and develop our curriculum, incorporating the most current research and best practices in education for gifted learners. The program we’ve built is broad and deep and allows each student to soar.