Blake Curriculum update Dec 2019

In 8th grade Science, the students are wrapping up the Physical Science Standards. We will soon be exploring the Earth and Space Science standards for term 2. We are excited to pilot a new project using Zing Shot Crash Cars to teach our new physics standards on Newton’s 3rd Law. In Intro to Engineering, the students have shifted gears and are beginning the term II projects. Stars are working with the Lego Mindstorm, Eagles are working on Solar Cars and the Stripes are beginning their Genius Hour projects.


Seventh-grade students have finished their solar cooker design and modifications following our study of thermal energy and heat transfer. Next up seventh-grade students will begin a study of various geoscience processes and how these processes shape Earth’s surface. Our unit began with an engineering and erosion workshop from the New England Aquarium (many thanks MCPE!!). Preventing coastal erosion was the problem with which students were challenged. Given a tool kit and a budget, students designed various barriers and walls to prevent coastal erosion and tested them using a coastline model. We will continue our study of processes that shape the Earth’s surface by studying other processes such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and weathering/erosion through a series of lab and web-based activities.
In Science Exploration we are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Trout eggs. Students have been studying the trout habitat, water quality, and conditions that trout need for survival. Studying trout anatomy and building models of trout organs is next in our study of the Trout.


Sixth grade has been studying the difference between physical and chemical changes to matter. We have had hands-on experiences with separating mixtures, using a number of physical processes. And now, we are working to identify the indicators of chemical changes. In particular, kids will work to understand endothermic and exothermic chemical reactions.
They’ll conduct experiments, measuring the release and absorption of heat energy, and work to explain the evidence. In the new year, we will enter into explorations of the universe in which we live!!