Welcome to SES Junior Houses

Fall Trimester

Students are asked to complete an assigned summer reading book and another book of their choice from a list provided in preparation for the fall trimester study.  These books support our first investigation, “What is your role in creating a successful community?” This provides an opportunity for us to set the climate for intellectual and social growth at SES.

The major focus of trimester one is, “What are the relationships between organisms and water?”  The students analyze the quality of local ponds and lakes in surrounding suburbs.  They write a technical report that summarizes their findings and present their results to water management officials. We also examine the complex relationships between organisms and rivers, including field experiences at local rivers.  Lastly, we look at marine ecosystems through the lens of social and political issues.

Winter Trimester

We examine the question, “How do organisms interact with and adapt to their environments over time?”  To understand cultural change, we study the transition from hunter-gatherers to settled agriculturalists; to understand biological change, we study organic evolution.  Finally, we study the adaptations of organisms to winter.  One of our experiences, and one of many highlights of the year, is our overnight trip at Baker Park Near Wilderness Settlement.

The next question, “What are the ways of seeing the relationship between humans and the natural world?” is a study of Western philosophy from the Greeks to the present. 

Spring Trimester

We begin by comparing Western ways of seeing the natural world with non-western views.  Using our understanding of philosophy, we focus specifically on early environmentalists, environmental ethics, and finally, students answer the question “What is your relationship with the natural world?” As a means to develop their personal view, we study Minnesota’s terrestrial ecology.  The culminating assessment is teaching fourth graders about the local ecology.