Walking into Mrs. Ashley Mathis’s 5th-grade math classroom this week, you might have mistaken the halls of Harrison Middle School for a wing at North Arkansas Regional Medical Center (NARMC).
The room was transformed into a bustling surgical unit, complete with students dressed in full medical labs, masks, and gloves. But these "surgeons" weren't performing traditional medicine—they were operating on complex math equations.
The "Surgery in Session" activity was designed for the Trailblazers Team to review the Order of Operations (PEMDAS). To successfully "save" their patients, students had to correctly evaluate expressions—talk about high stakes!
"From solving step-by-step to double-checking their work", said Mrs. Mathis, "these Trailblazers proved they’ve got the skills to operate under pressure."
The immersive environment was made possible thanks to a generous donation from the NARMC surgical department, which provided the authentic PPE (personal protective equipment) used by the students.
The Harrison School District extends a huge thank you to NARMC for their partnership and to Mrs. Mathis for creating such a high-engagement learning experience for our students!
