As we continue to celebrate all the special things that make Great Falls Elementary unique, we’re thrilled to share an update on one of the most meaningful projects on our school grounds.

What started as a simple student research project has blossomed into one of the most unique parts of our school campus. In 2022, our 6th graders wrote and won a grant from MIT, bringing our school a sapling grafted from the very apple tree linked to Sir Isaac Newton’s discovery of gravity.

During the Great Plague of London in the 1660s, Newton found himself quarantined from Cambridge University while the school was closed. As he spent time at home - reflecting and studying - he began to wonder: why do things fall to the ground? The story goes that seeing an apple drop from a tree sparked the questions and ideas that eventually led to his theory of gravity. Now, this remarkable connection to history, science, curiosity, and innovation has quite literally taken root at GFES.

Over the past few years, this project has grown into a true community partnership. We teamed up with the Great Falls Garden Club and found an arborist to help our sapling thrive. Just last week, with help from our PTA, we installed a permanent sign that tells the story behind the tree and why it’s so special to our school. Starting next year, students will be able to dive even deeper into the history, science, and inspiration this tree represents. We couldn’t be more excited about this meaningful project—or more grateful to everyone who helped bring it to life.

Next time you’re at school, we hope you’ll stop and take a look as our apple tree continues to grow with us.

Take care,
Sara Harper