Palaeontology in Education: K-12 Palaeontology Program with UW DIG and the Burke Museum.

The Sammamish Montessori School is privileged to have Ms. Virginia Ward as an esteemed member of our faculty. With a profound commitment to integrating Montessori principles with STEAM education, Ms Ward has cultivated a vibrant learning environment in her ‘STEAM Lab,’ where students actively engage in hands-on, experiential learning. Ms Ward’s passion for education extends beyond the classroom; during her time in Kampala, Uganda, some 25 years ago, she dedicated herself to enhancing students’ understanding of Uganda’s rich history. Collaborating with the Ugandan National Museum, Ms Ward fostered relationships with local palaeontologists, inspiring the creation of the Dino-Dig, an innovative program that immerses students in the world of palaeontology through hands-on experiences at SMS. Ms Ward’s commitment to advancing her teaching skills is evident through her participation in the Discoveries in Geosciences (DIG) Program at UW and the Burke Museum during the summer of 2023, a program designed for K-12 teachers. The DIG Program, in collaboration with Burke Museum, offers field school programs at active research sites in Arizona and Montana, providing educators with valuable insights and experiences to enrich their teaching practices. Read More about the Program here: https://www.burkemuseum.org/news/dig-field-school-classroom-connections-part-4 Ms Ward’s dedication to her students’ learning extends beyond the classroom. She continuously seeks new ways to enhance their educational journey, inspiring a deep love for learning and exploration. Through her creativity and unwavering commitment, Ms. Ward prepares her students for a lifetime of curiosity and discovery.

“The Burke Museum is an outstanding resource for students of all ages, but not everyone is able to visit. Their collections are vast and many are local making them an important companion to any WA state school curriculum. Making replicas of valuable items such as fossils, through 3D printing, is a great way to bring the museum into the classroom. I am proud to have been the catalyst for this conversation among the faculty at both the museum and the University of Washington campus.” – Ms. Virginia Ward.