In October and November, some students celebrate Day Of The Dead or Día de Muertos starting November 1st. Even if the celebration is practiced mostly at home, science teacher NeQuelle DeFord included it in her AP Biology course.
“I wanted different groups of students to be recognized,” DeFord said. “It was a way to include our course requirements, while also putting in that cultural piece as well.”
Students are asked to make an ofrenda, which are traditional altars used during the holiday. However, instead of what would be traditionally a loved one, DeFord asked students to create the altar for a “forgotten scientist.”
“The scientists they choose from are from all different nationalities and cultures as well as women,” DeFord said. “When they listen to these projects, it’s really hitting home how some groups of individuals have to work to be recognized for their work.”
DeFord said the project started two years ago at her past school.
“I saw a post about including something cultural in coursework.” DeFord said. “I had a student that year, he had been talking about Day of The Dead and how his family was going to celebrate it. This student helped me put it all together to make sure I was celebrating the holiday with respect for the culture.”
Junior Ellie Browning said she enjoyed creating an ofrenda.
“I picked James Clerk Maxwell. I wanted to know more specifically what he had done and find out why he isn’t as known as he should be,” Browning said.
Browning said it was a good change of pace for the class.
“It was fun to make something, especially for a class where arts and crafts aren’t very prevalent,” Browning said.
The display of ofrendas is by CR181, and they will be up till friday.
