Third graders from Freedom Elementary School joined the Lakota Board of Education meeting to demonstrate a hands-on science lesson from a pilot of the Open SciEd curriculum.

Shelly Kerr, principal of Freedom Elementary School, brought students Vivian, Emmy, Shepherd, Bridal, Jake and Jacob to the board to show a balance sculpture activity the district is piloting as part of its curriculum adoption process. The students built balanced sculptures and explained their trial-and-error approach, describing how they rebuilt and adjusted pieces until the models balanced.

Board members praised the students for demonstrating collaboration and communication skills. Board member Dr. Bailey noted the activity highlights the soft skills — collaboration, communication and risk-taking — the district seeks to develop at all grade levels.

Ending: District leaders said the Open SciEd pilot materials and the full presentation are available to families and that curriculum staff will present a detailed report to the board in October.