About Us | Wander Through Wonde

WHO ARE WE?

Wander through Wonder Academy is a microschool founded by lead educator Dr. Melissa Feiger in partnership with Changemaker Education. We serve learners in grades 6-8 in Lincoln Park, Chicago. Our focus is on STEAM and global citizenship. STEAM education, which integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, is vital in fostering global citizenship. By encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, STEAM helps students understand complex global issues and empowers them to become proactive members of their communities. Through hands-on projects and interdisciplinary approaches, learners develop the skills needed to tackle challenges like human impact and social inequality on a global scale Embracing STEAM not only enhances individual growth but also nurtures a sense of towards making the world a better place.

Why Choose Us?

WTWA allows middle school students in Chicago to explore interests through project- and inquiry-based learning focused on STEAM and global citizenship. The program includes service projects, field trips, and guest speakers, culminating in an international trip.

Program Philosophy

We empower learners with an innovative program integrating STEAM education and global citizenship. Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that by combining these two powerful educational approaches, we can nurture well-rounded, forward-thinking individuals who are prepared to tackle the complex challenges of our interconnected world. STEAM: A GATEWAY TO GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP We view STEAM education as a crucial pathway to developing global citizens. By integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, we provide our students with a holistic learning experience that goes beyond traditional subject boundaries. This interdisciplinary approach fosters critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills essential for understanding and addressing global issues. HAND-ON LEARNING & REAL-WORLD APPLICATION Our curriculum emphasizes hands-on projects and real-world problem-solving. Students engage in activities that connect classroom learning to global challenges, such as human impact and social inequality. By working on projects that have tangible impacts on their local and global communities, our learners develop a sense of agency and responsibility towards making the world a better place. CULTIVATING GLOBAL AWARENESS We strive to broaden our students' worldviews by exposing them to diverse cultures, perspectives, and global issues. Through our program, learners develop: -An understanding of their own identities and privileges -Empathy and cultural competence -The ability to think critically about global challenges -Skills to collaborate across cultural boundaries PREPARING FUTURE LEADERS Our ultimate goal is to prepare students to become proactive, responsible global citizens who can navigate and positively impact an increasingly complex world. By combining STEAM education with global citizenship, we equip our learners with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to drive innovation, promote sustainability, and foster positive change on a global scale. This unique educational approach aims to inspire a new generation of thoughtful, creative, and globally-minded individuals ready to shape a better future for all.

Ages/grades served

WTWA serves grades 6-8 (11-14 year olds). We welcome learners who are passionate about STEAM and want to immerse themselves in other cultures. Our classrooms incorporate a mixed-age grouping approach in which all age levels can learn with each other.

Curriculum

A curriculum interwining STEAM and global citizenship fosters innovative problem-solvers equipped to address global challenges. This interdisciplinary approach combines Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics with a focus on developing global competencies. CORE COMPONENTS 1. Project-Based Learning: Students engage in hands-on projects that address real-world issues aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 2. Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Learners work with peers from different countries on STEAM projects, fostering intercultural competence and global awareness. 3. Interdisciplinary Approach: Integrate multiple fields of study to encourage creative, innovative, and critical problem-solving skills. KEY SKILLS DEVELOPED -Critical thinking and problem-solving -Cultural empathy and global awareness -Innovation and creativity -Effective communication across cultures -Collaboration in diverse teams IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES -International Virtual Exchanges: Connect students globally for STEAM projects through technology -Community-Based Projects: Engage students in solving local issues with global implications, applying STEAM skills to real-world challenges. -Sustainable Development Focus: Align projects with SDGs to emphasize the global impact of local actions. By integrating these elements, the curriculum prepares students to become proactive global citizens who can innovate and collaborate to address complex global challenges using their STEAM expertise.

Example Weekly Schedule

Below is a possible weekly schedule (subject to change): Monday: Global Challenges & Solutions 8:00 - 8:30: Soft start 8:30 - 9:00: Mind Body Soul (SEL) 9:00 - 10:30: Global Issues Seminar 10:45 - 12:15: STEAM Problem-Solving Workshop 12:15 - 1:15: Lunch & Recess 1:15 - 2:15: Virtual Exchange with International Partner School 2:30 - 3:00: Read Tuesday: Science & Technology for Sustainability 8:00 - 8:30: Soft start 8:30 - 9:00: Mind Body Soul (SEL) 9:00 - 10:30: Environmental Science Lab 10:45 - 12:15: Sustainable Technology Design 12:15 - 1:15: Lunch & Recess 1:15 - 2:15: Coding for Social Good 2:30-3:00: Read Wednesday: Engineering & Math for Global Development 8:00 - 8:30: Soft start 8:30 - 9:00: Mind Body Soul (SEL) 9:00 - 10:30: Engineering Challenges 10:45 - 12:15: Applied Mathematics in Global Contexts 12:15 - 1:15: Lunch & Recess 1:15 - 3:00: Project Work: Designing Solutions for SDGs Thursday: Arts & Culture in a Global Perspective 8:00 - 8:30: Soft start 8:30 - 9:00: Mind Body Soul (SEL) 9:00 - 10:30: World Arts & Music Exploration 10:45 - 12:15: Cultural Communication Through Digital Media 12:15 - 1:15: Lunch & Recess 1:15 - 3:00: Global Citizenship Through Creative Expression Friday: Field Trips & Community Service 9:00 - 12:00: Field Trip (alternating weeks) Local STEAM industries Cultural institutions Environmental conservation sites Tech startups with global impact OR 9:00 - 12:00: Community Service Projects (alternating weeks) Local park clean-up and biodiversity study Tech workshops STEAM mentoring at elementary schools 12:00 - 1:00: Lunch & Recess 1:00 - 2:30: Reflection & Documentation Group discussions on experiences Journaling and multimedia project creation 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Weekly Wrap-up & Global Citizen Spotlight Incorporated in the weekly schedules are guest speakers, global language practice, individual teacher-student check-ins

About the Founder

Dr. Melissa Feiger, founder and lead educator of Wander through Wonder Academy, believes students succeed when they choose what and how they learn. She taught middle school science for nine years and helped create the district's middle school science curriculum. Outside the classroom, Melissa co-led and coached the Science Olympiad team, led and chaperoned Springfield, D.C., and Galapagos student trips, & coached intramural tennis. Melissa earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Elementary Education with middle school endorsements in science, social studies, and language arts. While teaching, she earned her Master's in Education from National-Louis University in English as a Second Language (ESL) & Special Education (LBS1) and her PhD in Curriculum Studies from DePaul University. Her published dissertation focused on how the level of democracy impacts the education system in various countries. Currently, she is an adjunct professor at Truman College.

Available online

1:1 Information Meeting with Founder

mfeiger@wanderthroughwonder.org

What is a microschool?

A microschool offers a modern and reimagined take on education—small, personalized, and community-driven. Understanding that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work for many students, microschools are designed to meet the diverse needs of learners and provide a flexible and highly tailored educational experience. They are founded by passionate educators, parents, and community leaders who bring their unique vision to life.

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