Physical and Environmental Education

Physical Movement

     The brain profits from movement. As John Medina states, “Even couch potatoes who fidget show increased benefit over those who do not fidget.” Exercise provides increased oxygen to the brain to soak up the toxic electrons and produces a fertilizer‐like factor (a specific protein) to sustain healthy neurons and promote neurogenesis, the formation of new cells in the brain. There are numerous experiments to demonstrate that when children aerobically exercise, their brains work better, and when the exercise is withdrawn, the cognitive gain plummets.  This is a major reason why each day at Synapse begins with physical movement and activity. 

Field Trips

     Field trips are defined by school-wide and classroom themes and are integral to the learning experience. Through field trips, students are exposed to real habitats, museums, and other exhibits that expand on the current theme, participate in community action and environmental sustainability activities, and explore and experience different civic and industry environments.  Students will have real-world experiences in habitat restoration to learn about and appreciate the natural world – both its beauty and the important services it provides.