March 2018
Science
Students have just finished the Great Cell Debate in 6th grade science. Students had to argue why “their” position in the “Cells INC” company (as determined by their assigned organelle), was not expendable and therefore that position should not be eliminated due to budget cuts. Each student pair argued the importance of “their” job and explained which cell part they believe should be fired. At the end of the debate they were able to ask each other clarifying questions about everyone’s role in Cells INC, to help them make their final decision as to who should/should not be cut. The beauty of the whole experience was that all of the students were able to recognize that no cell parts are expendable as they began to develop an understanding of how all of the organelles interact to ensure a cell can perform it’s essential functions. In the end students determined no parts could be cut from the company. In fact, many students are now seeking promotions!
Grade 7 students investigated three different aspects of technology during the month of March. They learned about how transportation systems are designed, to move people and goods, using a variety of vehicles and devices. They also learned about futuristic transportation systems that are expected to become mainstream soon, and they examined the subsystems that make a transportation vehicles work. Subsequently students learned about the components of a communication system and both the benefits and drawbacks of a variety of communication systems.
Towards the end of the month students they completed a collaborative green energy technology project and learned about how technology can mitigate human consumption of natural resources.
Students in the 8th grade have just completed their States of Matter unit. Term three will see a shifting of gears as students dive into the world of Earth Science through their exploration of Earth-Moon-Sun system, weather and global climate change. Each Friday’s students work on their Genius Hour projects and at this point are actively involved in the research phase of their project. Intro to Engineering students are finishing up their pasta bridges and/or working with the EV3 Lego Mindstorm robots. Recently eighth grade science students had a visit from google expeditions providing students an opportunity to explore the world of science through AR (augmented reality). In addition, students spent a day remembering the late Stephen Hawking and learning about his contributions to Science.
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