Getting Crafty with History

For one week each year, Anthony Scorcia's ninth grade social studies classes at Half Hollow Hills High School East close their textbooks and open themselves up to a little creativity.

Instead of sitting at a desk, the students have class in an art room where they work on a project to showcase their social studies lessons.

This year, the class spent the past week creating historical mobiles, reflecting themes and aspects of ancient cultures and religions. 

"It's a nice change of pace," Scorcia said. "It's great to know that we're giving them the kind of nurturing environment that makes them feel comfortable enough to do something out of the ordinary."

The activity serves an additional benefit for students with special needs in a class with mixed abilities. 

"Every student is a multi-sensory student so it brings learning to life; it's touch, sight, it all incorporates the senses," special education teacher Beth Gordon said.