Students in Ms. Gilinsky’s Honors Integrated Science class at Woodbridge High School are discovering how literature, science, and engineering can work together to inspire creativity and real-world problem-solving.

As part of their Fall Book Club, students have been reading The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, a story that explores how scientific knowledge, determination, and innovation can be used to overcome challenges. Through this experience, students are developing scientific literacy, strengthening vocabulary and comprehension skills, and exploring the essential question: “How does understanding how things work help us turn what we have into what we need?”

Each week, students participate in mini STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) challenges that connect their reading to hands-on learning experiences. These activities encourage students to think critically, apply scientific concepts, and develop creative solutions to real-world problems.

During a recent challenge, students had the opportunity to choose between two activities: designing a model of terrace farming to explore agricultural systems or building simple electrical circuits to investigate how electricity works.

By connecting literature with scientific inquiry and practical applications, students are learning that science extends far beyond the classroom. These experiences help students develop the problem-solving, collaboration, and critical-thinking skills needed to become innovative thinkers.

This engaging approach to learning reflects Woodbridge High School's commitment to providing meaningful educational experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity, and student achievement.

At Woodbridge, we're not just teaching science—we're inspiring the next generation of problem-solvers and innovators. That's what it means to be Built Blue!