A Letter from Suzy Hakimian, Big Idea Organizer
"Without new experiences, something inside of us sleeps. The sleeper must awaken." – Author Frank Herbert
Each year, The Big Idea awakens curiosity, creativity, and passion in our 7th and 8th grade students as they dive into an exciting journey of exploration and hands-on learning. This year, we invited our students to immerse themselves in four captivating themes:
Sports, Journalism, Food & Culture, & Suspense
Each theme provided an opportunity to step into a new world, learn from leading experts, and engage in experiences that challenged and inspired them.
Our students didn’t just hear about these fields—they lived them. They explored the science of movement and athletic performance, met seasoned journalists who shape the news, studied the intersection of food, culture, and business, and analyzed the psychology of suspense in film and storytelling. They visited museums, theaters, and culinary institutions, gaining real-world insight into industries that influence our daily lives.
This program wouldn’t be complete without the opportunity for our students to create something of their own. As the culmination of their learning, they worked in teams to bring their knowledge to life through their Capstone projects—launching pop-up food carts, crafting a literary magazine, premiering original suspense films, creating an ideal athlete, and more. Their ingenuity, collaboration, and dedication were on full display as they presented their work to their peers and faculty.
One of the most beautiful aspects of The Big Idea is that it allows students to see themselves as thinkers, creators, and leaders in their chosen fields. Whether they were designing a restaurant menu, filming a suspenseful movie scene, or crafting an investigative article, they were not just learning about these professions—they were practicing them.
Seeing their passion and confidence grow throughout this journey has been truly remarkable. Their questions became sharper, their ideas bolder, and their curiosity limitless. It is moments like these that remind us why integrated learning is so powerful-it allows students to see how each of their courses connect to create a full picture.
Thank you to our faculty, guest speakers, and families for supporting our students on this adventure. Their excitement, hard work, and drive make it clear that The Big Idea is just the beginning. We cannot wait to see where their creativity takes them next.
At Schechter, we believe that learning should be an adventure—one that sparks curiosity, fosters creativity, and inspires lifelong passions. Every year, our 7th and 8th-grade students embark on The Big Idea, an immersive program designed to help them explore subjects of personal interest while engaging with experts in diverse fields.
Over the course of a month, students hear from professionals in science, medicine, journalism, and more; participate in hands-on experiences; and collaborate on a final Capstone project that showcases their newfound knowledge.
"Working with students who are motivated by studying a topic of their choice has been fabulous. Watching new friendships form and continue outside of the classroom is a strength of the program. The Capstone projects are an exciting end to this Big Idea season," shared Barb Tatz, Fifth - Eighth Grade MathTeacher.
This year, The Big Idea explored four exciting themes: Sports, Journalism, Food & Culture, and Suspense. Here’s an inside look at how our students dove deep into these subjects:
Health, Medicine, & Athletics; Building a Better Athlete
Students explored the critical connection between physical and mental health, along with wellness strategies to optimize performance. They delved into the risks of performance-enhancing drugs and substances, uncovered the truth about supplements—including why many are banned or unregulated—and gained insight into how athletes navigate setbacks, both physically and mentally.
They heard from speakers such as Jennifer Flink, National Executive Director at Israel ParaSport Center, who highlighted the importance of adaptive sports; Dr. Russ Benuck, an orthopedic surgeon, who shared common injuries in athletes and how to strengthen physical health of maximum performance; and Dr. Karla Steingraber, a sports psychologist, helped students understand the connection between physical and mental health, the challenges athletes face, and strategies like visualization, yoga, mindfulness, and journaling to enhance performance and resilience.
Students also took a field trip to the Museum of Science & Industry, where they explored the YOU! The Experience exhibit, learning about movement, sports psychology, and how physical activity impacts the body. From testing their reflexes to running in a human-sized hamster wheel, students gained firsthand insights into sports science.
Journalism: The Power of the Written Word
Future journalists explored the art of storytelling, media ethics, and publishing. A highlight of the program was a visit to The American Writers Museum, where students delved into the evolution of journalism and how writers shape public discourse.
Students also heard from Frank Alkyer, an editor and publisher, and Claire Sufrin, editor of Sources: A Journal of Jewish Ideas, who provided guidance on crafting compelling stories and structuring their own magazine. With their expertise, students learned the intricacies of editing, layout design, and content selection.
Their journey culminated in a Publishing Party, where students presented their literary magazine and answered questions from a panel of Schechter faculty about their process, writing choices, and the impact of their work.
food, history, & culture
Through the Food & Culture course, students explored the intersection of cuisine, history, and science. They visited The Spice House, where they discovered the origins of spices and the chemistry of flavors. Guest speakers included Ami Hochenboym, owner of Ami in Highwood, who shared insights on building a restaurant menu and incorporating cultural influences in cooking, as well as Peter Brown and Deborah Barber, former Kraft Foods professionals, who taught students about ingredient technology, taste, and smell.
As a Capstone project, students launched their own pop-up restaurants! Working in teams, they developed menus, cooked dishes, and presented their culinary creations to their peers as restaurant owners, showcasing their understanding of food, history, and business.
Suspense: The Art of Tension & Mystery
In the Suspense course, students explored how anxiety, music, and storytelling build tension in film and literature. Guest speaker Mona Berman, LCPC, provided psychological insights into suspense and fear, while Alan Sufrin, a music expert, discussed how film scores amplify emotional impact.
Students visited the Landmark Theatre, where they analyzed cinematic techniques used in suspense films.
Their Capstone project culminated in an exciting Movie Premiere, where they showcased their own short suspense films, demonstrating their understanding of storytelling, cinematography, and music composition.
“The Big Idea program is a testament to the power of integrated learning,” said Nanci Caplan, Associate Head of School. “Seeing our students engage so deeply with these topics and apply their learning in such dynamic ways is incredibly inspiring.”
Suzanne Mishkin, Sager School K-8 Principal, added, “This program exemplifies what makes Schechter special—encouraging curiosity, providing meaningful experiences, and helping students find their voice in areas they are passionate about.”
Dr. Lena Kushnir, Head of School, reflected, “The impact of The Big Idea is evident in the way our students embrace learning with enthusiasm and creativity. It’s amazing to see them grow as thinkers and innovators through this program.”
With another Big Idea season complete, we look forward to what next year will bring. If this year’s themes are any indication, the future is bright for Schechter’s young innovators, storytellers, and visionaries!
Throughout The Big Idea, students not only gained knowledge but also honed critical thinking, collaboration, and creative problem-solving skills. The program’s hands-on approach allows students to deepen their understanding while developing real-world skills in communication, teamwork, and innovation.
