Thursday, October 1, 2026
Students in James H. Vernon Elementary School’s Atlantis Program transformed the school’s new athletic complex into a research showcase on Jan. 14, presenting independent projects that ranged from wildlife management to philosophical inquiry.
The symposium featured interactive displays where fourth through sixth grade students shared months of research with parents and guests, fielding questions on the topics they had explored.
The Atlantis Program, an enrichment initiative led by teacher Joanne Loring, guides qualified students through progressively sophisticated levels of independent research. Fourth graders learn to develop strong research questions, fifth graders study what it means to become an expert in a subject and sixth graders focus on creating action-oriented projects that emphasize innovation.
Projects explored questions including how humans can safely coexist with rising deer populations, how cultural differences between China and America affect approaches to education and how prosthetic limb technology can be advanced for future users.
Other students examined philosophical questions, such as how optimism influences thinking, or ethical dilemmas, including why animal lovers might support cosmetic surgeries for pets that some consider cruel. One student created original artwork to convey concerns about social media’s impact on youth, while another analyzed Vernon School’s environment to identify improvements that would benefit students with colorblindness.
