CedarBridge Launch Parental Science Initiative
[Written by Melanie Burrows & Anya Thompson]
In a dedicated effort to strengthen the connection between home support and classroom instruction, Ms. Melanie Burrows, Science Teacher at CedarBridge Academy, has restored a pioneering program to enhance the capacity of parents in supporting their children’s Science education. The program, known as Teaching Parents Science [T.P.S.], commenced on February 10, 2025, to high levels of enthusiasm, beginning with Biology in Part 1: Let’s Be Innovative. This adults-only session provided a welcoming and enlightening learning environment for all participants.
Ms. Burrows designed this program specifically for the parents of the IGCSE S1 Combined Science class, recognizing that some parents may feel inadequately equipped to assist their children with Science— whether due to the time elapsed since their own education or a lack of prior familiarity with the subject. However, the program’s principles are applicable to any course. Its goal is to empower parents with the knowledge and confidence needed to effectively support their children, particularly with classwork available through Google Classroom.
The first evening session focused on two fundamental Biology topics—Plant Nutrition and Plant Reproduction—that students will study over the next four to five weeks. The session featured engaging activities, including a detailed analysis of photosynthesis, an exploration of the structure and function of a typical flowering plant, and a hands-on flower dissection. Parents also had the opportunity to examine plant structures up close using microscopes. Principal Kenneth Caesar attended the session and expressed his satisfaction with the class, noting the active participation of parents in the learning process.
The evening was met with enthusiastic engagement, with many parents expressing their appreciation for the hands-on learning experience. By the end of the session, they felt more confident and prepared to assist their children with their academic endeavors.
“It was incredibly helpful,” one parent, Mrs. Juliette Basden, shared. “I feel much more confident now about assisting my child with their science assignments.”
Ms. Burrows expressed her delight at the positive feedback, emphasizing the importance of parental involvement in education. “When parents feel empowered, students thrive. That’s the goal of T.P.S.—to create a supportive learning community both at home and in the classroom.”
Following the success of the first session, parents are eagerly looking forward to the next in the series, excited to continue their journey of learning while supporting their children’s scientific curiosity.
This initiative not only strengthens academic support at home but also fosters a sense of community and shared growth among students, parents, and educators alike.
This is wonderful! Thank you Ms. Burrows for setting this up! And kudos to the parents who didn’t let pride keep them from coming to learn, so they can help their children. I love it!