EB Blog
Middle School Makers Embrace STEAM & Sustainability
Whether designing a quilt or crafting an apron from recycled jeans, our middle schoolers are gaining valuable life skills while contributing meaningfully to our school environment.
Sewing Projects: Creativity, Collaboration, and Practical Skills
Olga Popova, EB Art Teacher
At our middle school, sewing has become a vibrant part of the STEM curriculum, blending creativity, teamwork, and hands-on learning. Over the past three years, students have embraced sewing projects that not only teach practical skills but also encourage artistic expression and collaboration.
Here's a look at some of the exciting sewing initiatives taking place in our classrooms.
G7 STEM Class: Quilting Excellence
In the Grade 7 STEM class, every student learns how to use a sewing machine and creates their very own quilt. This project has been running since the 2022–2023 school year and has grown in complexity and creativity each year.
- Designing Unique Quilts: Students design their own quilts from scratch, allowing them to express their individuality.
- Progression in Complexity: In the first two years, students made simpler quilts with 16 rectangular pieces. This year, they’ve taken on more challenging designs featuring 30 pieces and intricate triangles. The leap in creativity is largely driven by students who are inspired by previous projects and strive to outdo their peers.
- Encouraging Collaboration: Teamwork is a key part of the process. Students are encouraged to help one another, fostering a supportive classroom environment.
- Sewing Machine Support: The middle school owns four sewing machines, but thanks to the generosity of staff and faculty members—Mei-Lin Ha Byers, Emily Kaltenbach, Virginie Falquerho, Marion Tobie, and Chrissy Greer—we currently have access to nine machines for this project.
STEM Explorations: Aprons and Bags Our STEM Explorations elective class offers students in G6 through G8 the opportunity to sew practical items like aprons and bags (messenger bags and tote bags). This project emphasizes sustainability by incorporating recycled materials alongside new fabrics.
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The Apron Project
Last year, MS students began sewing aprons as part of the STEM elective class. This collaborative effort has had a lasting impact on our school community.
- Collaborative Effort: Students completed about 40% of the aprons needed for both campuses. To meet demand, additional aprons were sewn by faculty members.
- Art Class Integration: The finished aprons are now used regularly in LS and MS art classes.
- Teaching Younger Students: As an added bonus, third graders are currently learning how to tie butterfly knots to secure their aprons. With support from their teachers—Justine, Jonathan, and Jessica—this skill-building activity connects younger students to the broader school community.
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Why Sewing Matters
These sewing projects go beyond teaching technical skills—they foster creativity, encourage sustainability through upcycling materials, and build a sense of community among students and staff alike. Whether it’s designing a quilt or crafting an apron from recycled jeans, our middle schoolers are gaining valuable life skills while contributing meaningfully to our school environment. We’re proud of how these initiatives have grown over the past few years and look forward to seeing what our talented students will create next!
Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley
Elementary School Campus
All Are Welcome! (Anti-Discriminatory Policy)
Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley does not exclude from participation in, deny the benefits of, or subject any individual to discrimination on the basis of race, nationality, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or religion. This policy applies to all programs, services, and facilities, including applications, admissions, and employment.
