CHARLOTTE — Students at St. Ann School recently dug into the past – literally.
The students in the school’s Idea Lab/Innovations program took part in an outdoor architectural dig on the St. Ann campus.
The dig was part of the school’s unique approach to provide learning geared for students who demonstrate advanced academic achievement, visual-spatial strengths, or are considered “twice exceptional” – that is, gifted but also face challenges such as learning differences, ADHD or anxiety.
Idea Lab/Innovations, developed by St. Ann’s gifted education specialist Darlene Konopasek, offers an enriching learning environment that nurtures both intellect and imagination.
The program begins in fourth grade and operates on a two-year cycle. Each year, students delve into a thematic unit that encourages interdisciplinary thinking and deep exploration. One year focuses on architecture, while the following shifts to the ancient wonders of archaeology.
This year’s archaeology unit guided students through the study of renowned excavation sites and religious artifacts, including the intriguing Shroud of Turin. The program culminated in a hands-on, collaborative project where students designed their own fictional cultures and created artifacts to reflect their beliefs and customs.
These items were then buried for another grade to uncover, simulating an authentic archaeological dig.
Students gathered outside in the warm late spring air May 21 and 22 to uncover their designated artifacts. Smiles and a sense of fun were part of both days.
The students had their own reactions to the work. Their favorite parts of the project were “learning from real life experience and not textbooks,” “creating the culture” and “making the artifacts because you get to be creative and travel to a whole different time.” One of the students noted that their culture took place inside a volcano filled with crystals.
The hardest part of the project? Navigating all the rocks while digging.
“This class gives them a place to be themselves,” Konopasek said. “It’s about more than academics. It’s about confidence, collaboration and creative problem-solving. It’s incredible to see the creativity and teamwork that comes out of this. They take ownership of their learning.”
— Darlene Konopasek and Christina Lee Knauss
