Teachers Spark Learning Through Observation

Hillside elementary school science teacher Susan Bartol first saw “Observer” at a national convention for science educators in Philadelphia last year.  

The film focuses on the power of observation, how scientists and artists look differently at the world, and how paying attention can spark discovery and reframe knowledge and understanding.

“To be an observer, you must find your portal into the wonders of the world. There is a universe everywhere you turn,” the film's trailer says. 

Bartol was moved by the film and wanted to bring its lessons back to students in Montclair. So she reached out to Masiel Rodriquez-Vars, Executive Director of the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence.  

“I felt I needed some extra support, and MFEE has always been a creative thought partner and financial supporter,” Bartol said. 

Those conversations helped Bartol create a rich, interdisciplinary experience for her colleagues and students at Hillside and across the district. 

First, Bartol enlisted the help of Montclair High School industrial arts teacher Robert Haas to organize a professional development session for teachers in June. They built physical frames, similar to those used in the film, and created a Google Classroom with tips and resources for fellow educators to use in their classrooms. 

Next, Bartol made “Observer” the theme of her 9th annual “Science Day” at Hillside. The day was filled with hands-on activities and inspiring experiences for students of all ages: 

• Students read “The Next Scientist,” by Kate Messner, about what the world’s great scientists explored as kids. 

• The whole school took a field trip to Montclair Film’s Clairidge Cinema to watch a portion of the “Observer” film. 

• Seventeen students from Montclair High School joined the day, helping younger students build their own frames and assisting at a variety of  “observation stations.” 

• The elementary school kids also took part in a fireside chat with Montclair State University students who are majoring in science, including astronomy and Marine biology, to learn about and envision careers in science.  

Suzanne Baptist, who teaches English at MHS in the Civics and Government Institute (CGI) small-learning community, was thrilled her students got to take part in Hillside’s event. 

Baptist was inspired to create a mini-elective for her 10th through 12th graders to engage with the film’s concepts in the context of civics. 

“Everything we do, we have to take into consideration what someone else is going to say,” she said. Baptist is encouraging students to think about word choice and their connotation when forming arguments, to slow down, take time to consider how other people think and feel, and not to be as quick to judge someone if they have a different view. 

Bartol said being an observer can help bridge gaps and create a safe space for students to share their own vulnerabilities. 

“If you can give away your vulnerability, maybe you can be gentler with someone else’s ideas and feelings,” she said.  

Bartol has long been interested in the intersection of art and science. Last year, this Weston Award winner also received an MFEE grant to create an innovative class called "Branching Out - Where Science and Art Intersect." Working with Ivory Wise, Hillside's art teacher, Bartol used her grant to buy additional art materials and illustrated books that explore patterns in nature, such as the Fibonacci sequence, seasonal changes, and other ecological concepts.

“Susan’s vision with ‘Observer’ inspired colleagues and energized students across our schools,” Rodriquez-Vars said. “MFEE is grateful for the chance to support, strengthen, and share the creativity and connectedness she set in motion.”

MFEE annually awards $60,000 in grants to educators across the Montclair Public Schools. It’s been funding teachers’ big ideas for more than 30 years, and thegrant-making programcontinues to be a core part of the organization’s mission. This year, teacher applicants can opt to apply for theIdeaLab ‘Civics’ grant, or in one of three other categories: classroom innovation, social-emotional learning, and professional development. Grants applications are being accepted on a rolling basis until March 5, or until funds are allocated.