Lower School students celebrated Dot Day this week with a variety of engaging, hands-on activities designed to spark imagination and scientific curiosity. In science class, students explored the "dots" (stars) in the night sky by studying constellations and constructing their own constellation projectors to take home. Students made constellation projectors by poking holes in paper cups that matched the Big Dipper. Then, lights were shone through the holes in the cups to project the Big Dipper on the ceiling. The lesson blended astronomy with creativity, encouraging students to think about the patterns above them while learning how ancient civilizations interpreted the stars.

Meanwhile, in the iLab, students across Lower School explored the concept of dots through art and technology. Older students designed unique dot glyphs, while younger learners in kindergarten through grade 3 used the Quiver app to create interactive 3D digital dots, merging traditional art with augmented reality. The activities across subjects emphasized innovation, self-expression, and the power of a single dot to spark meaningful learning.

After reading Peter Reynolds’ beloved book The Dot, students in kindergarten through grade 2 tapped into their creativity by coloring dots that expressed their unique perspectives. Some young artists filled their dots with patterns and shapes, while others depicted scenes from nature, such as sunsets and rainbows.

The experience came alive when students used iPads equipped with Quiver, making their drawings seemingly pop off the page. “It created a space full of joy and wonder as the younger students interacted with their dots as they came to life. It was as if magic filled the room,” said Laura Redman, Lower School computer science and engineering teacher.

Grade 4 and 5 took inspiration from Ish, the sequel to The Dot, and applied their learning to digital art projects. After exploring the book’s message that the joy of art lies in the creative process rather than perfection, these students used computers to layer shapes and create digital dots. Each design reflected topics meaningful to the students and is now proudly displayed outside the iLab.

This collaborative fusion of literature, art, and technology showcased how St. Margaret’s students express themselves while embracing creativity in innovative ways.