ASK THE EXPERT

A Lower School program makes the most out of virtual connections

For younger students, speaking with professionals in a wide variety of fields helps shine light on the role of individuals in a community while providing inspiration for career paths that the children themselves might pursue.

Without the opportunity for field trips and with restrictions to on-campus visitors, Lower School River Class Teacher Ruth Gaskin spearheaded a program for this year that would allow this kind of opportunity. As part of “Ask the Expert,” a variety of professionals have been invited into the classroom virtually. In addition to seeking volunteers from a variety of fields, Ruth has specifically looked for women who work in non-traditional fields.

So far, the students have spoken with a firefighter, an architect, a train engineer, a helicopter pilot, a sign language expert, a safety engineer, a rabbi, and a paleontologist. Additional guests are being scheduled for this winter and spring.

Dr. Lindsay Zanno spoke with students about her work as a paleontologist as part of the “Ask An Expert” series. Photo by Chris Rupert, courtesy of Technician.