In the spirit of next year’s core value, Curiosity, we invite all faculty and sta accross divisions to take time this summer to think intentionally about how we bring curiosity to our educational practice. How you explore curiosity is up to you! You might choose to read a book, watch a lm or a performance, listen to a podcast, or explore events and places. Below you will nd some suggestions meant to guide you. This exploration takes the place of a traditional summer reading assignment. Our Summer Explorations culminate in August with cross-divisional discussion circles to connect, learn, and be inspired by the collective curiosity that defines our faculty and staff.
● Purpose: To intentionally build community across our divisions while having inspiring conversations centered around our core value of curiosity.
● Goal: Discuss how we can lead with curiosity to encourage, develop, and explore the curiosity of each other and our students.
NOTE: While participation in the discussion circles in August will be required, the Summer Exploration ideas listed below are optional and provided for inspiration.
If you have a suggestion to share with our community or want to post an event for others to join, please add it to this Padlet.
Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam Grant encourages readers to think like scientists, prioritizing doubt over certainty and curiosity over closure, leading to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. This debut novel is about a widow’s unlikely friendship with a giant Pacific octopus residing in a local aquarium. The octopus, who goes by Macellus, narrates part of the book. Despite his captivity, he remains curious about his surroundings and the people who visit his tank.
Borrow a copy on Sora, or order books through bookshop.org or your local independent bookstore.
Remarkably Bright Creatures
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Think Again
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Visiting a botanical garden during your summer travels is a great way to spark your curiosity about the natural world, plant life, and ecological systems.
Whether you choose to stay local and check out the Hall of Science (free on Fridays from 2-5 pm with a reservation) or venture out to a children's museum in a different city, you're sure to embrace your inner child and sense of wonder as you learn and explore through the power of playful exploration.
Step back in time with an apartment visit or walking tour at the Tenement Museum, where you can explore the people and neighborhoods that made NYC what it is today. New York teachers get one free admission to the Tenement Museum every Sunday with code TEACHNY! Show a valid school ID or email when picking up tickets.
Attending the Classical Theatre of Harlem or other community theater options creates a shared experience of wonder.
Or, have a movie night with The Wild Robot. This Oscar-nominated film centers around an intelligent robot stranded on a deserted island. She finds a way to live and thrive by observing and communicating with the animals who call the island home. (You can stream for free on SWANK; check it out here.)
TED Radio Hour explores profound questions with brilliant minds with host Manoush Zomorodi, inspiring a deeper understanding of ourselves and our world.
Hard Fork explores the rapidly changing world of technology. By examining emerging tech and its potential impact, the podcast fosters curiosity about the future and encourages listeners to think critically about new innovations.
