Academics

Life Studies

Students enrolled in an elective called Human Growth and Child Development now have the opportunity to experience the realities of caring for an infant "Baby Think It Over". This life-like newborn cries at semi-random intervals throughout the day and night.

A student uses a magnetic key attached to his/her wrist with a tamper-proof band to calm the crying . The key must be inserted for the length of time it would normally take for an activity such as bathing, feeding or diapering.

This experience helps students understand two facts about infants: Their demands are unpredictable buy must be met promptly, and babies require a great deal of time and attention which will change their caregiver's lifestyle profoundly. Student responses to the crying are recorded within the baby's electronic box for the teacher's review.

The babies replace sacks of flour or eggs previously used in projects to teach students about the responsibilities of parenthood.

Body Text 3