Refugee

Ms. Rosenberg’s 7th-grade ELA class recently took part in an enriching exploration that combined history, literature, and hands-on STEM activities. After reading Refugee by Alan Gratz, students delved into the story of the Cuban Mariel boatlift from the 1980s, experiencing what it might have been like for Cuban refugees to create makeshift rafts.
Using scavenged materials, students designed rafts that had to stay afloat for 20 seconds, withstand simulated wind and rain, and hold four weights. To better understand the challenges, they also researched images from the Mariel boatlift to see how refugees crafted rafts from available items.
Through Isabel’s and Mahmoud’s stories, students developed a deeper understanding of the difficult journeys many migrants face while seeking freedom. The creativity, perseverance, and problem-solving skills our young engineers displayed were truly impressive and inspiring.