First Graders’ Questions Featured in NYT

When you empower students to follow their curiosity, there’s no telling where it might lead. Last week, questions from our first graders were featured in the New York Times!

The adventure began in math class, where students took a pretend trip to the South Pole. To prepare for the sub-zero temperatures, our young explorers had to practice their measurement skills, taking precise dimensions to design their own custom snowsuits.

Inspired by their travels, the class was eager to learn more about Antarctica. When New York Times climate reporter Raymond Zhong put out an open call for questions from curious students, our first graders jumped at the chance to participate. We are thrilled to share that out of many submissions, Nila’s question about snowy owls was selected and answered in the first video! Watch it here. Can you spot all three CDS students who make a cameo?

Raptor Research

• The "Why" Behind the Anatomy: Investigating why raptors evolved with hooked beaks and sharp talons while other birds didn't.
• Survival Strategies: Examining how specialized body parts allow these birds to see, hear, and hunt with incredible precision.
• Pattern Recognition: Using a mix of media research and firsthand observation to identify patterns in how organisms survive.

1. Observing and Asking Questions: Moving beyond "I don't know" to "I wonder why," and turning those wonders into researchable questions.
2. Developing a Research Plan: Learning how to build a step-by-step roadmap to find the information they need.
3. Drawing Evidence-Based Conclusions: Practice in forming opinions that are backed by what they’ve seen, read, and experienced.