Academics
Institute for Social Impact

Service Learning

Service Learning involves students in service projects and applies classroom learning for local agencies that exist to effect positive change in the community.
 
Through a carefully designed set of real-world projects and experiences, Hockaday students have the chance to test what they are learning in the classroom, tackle tough problems, learn to work in teams, cultivate empathy and respect for others with different backgrounds and expertise, build character and confidence, and explore their purpose in the world. Throughout the entire school, academics and service are intertwined to enrich the classroom experience.
 
The Upper School Anatomy Class of Brandi Finazzo has partnered with W.T. White High School's Aquatic Biology Class and the Dallas Zoo to meet monthly to design strategies to solve environmental issues with the expertise and support of the Dallas Zoo. The endeavor will culminate in a “Shark Tank” endeavor to receive funding to implement their solution. Community leaders including Dallas entrepreneur and philanthropist Lyda Hill, Dallas Zoo CEO Greg Hudson, Perot Museum CEO Nicole Small, and other Dallas leaders will judge the competition.

Hockaday Middle School Robotics students are designing STEM curriculum, and implementing and teaching
classes on Friday afternoons at Joe May Elementary. The goal is to inspire the elementary students to participate in the world of STEM.
 
The Third Grade is studying the theme of Hunger and will volunteer at Bonton Farms to assist the organization in creating a program for labeling crops and animals. With the guidance of the lower school technology liaisons, the third graders will use the 3-D printer to create the signage and will use an optional weekend service day to install the new signs at Bonton Farms and the Fifth Grade Science class is partnering with the upper School Environmental Science Class to investigate and study soil quality in West Dallas, where lead pollution has been historically identified as high. 
 
After learning of North Dallas Shared Ministries donation closet’s organizational and productivity problems, the engineering class is designing and implementing a solution based on engineering and productive research.
 
Upper School photography classes are partnering with Paws in the City to photograph animals up for adoption for their website. The photos will be also be placed in the Ann Bower ‘67 Art Gallery to focus on the stray animal problem in Dallas.

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