The end of the year brought lots of different activities into 8th-grade science and engineering. Students worked on their Genius Hour projects, coded with Mind storms, and designed, built and raced solar cars. Some classes focused on Climate Change while other classes had several options for final projects, including - creating a geological disaster video, creating a scale model of the solar system, or creating an artistic symbol, superhero, or villain for an element on the periodic table. 8th-grade science students and teachers alike look forward to the daylight hours increasing as we approach the summer solstice! Best wishes for a restful and enjoyable summer to all our now former students and their families from Grade 8 science.
In May seventh grade students actively learned in groups as they completed their Ecology Projects. By visiting stations, students learned the content that they then applied to their research on an endangered or threatened species in Massachusetts resulting in the creation of a presentation on their species. It was very impressive to see what they put together! After the presentations, students learned about plant reproduction as they dissected a flower to learn about how the male and female plant reproductive parts work with wind, water, and animals to form the next generation of plants. Students finished the year by creating their own flower to match a given animal pollinator. 7th-grade students should look for the many pollinators present in New England and other areas they visit this summer.
6th-grade students were very excited to use microscopes to observe that all living things are made of cells. Students examined plant cells, animal cells, protists, and a number of other cool samples. Some students made their own slides with hair, pond water, paper towels, or insect parts. Once students determined that all living things are made of cells, they participated in the Great Cell Organelle Debate as they became experts on the cell parts and their functions. The students really enjoyed this project with the conversation continuing into the hallways and at home for some! Students then learned about the connections between human body systems and were then responsible for teaching the basics of one of the eleven systems to their classmates. As a wrap up to this unit, students created cartoons discussing the relationships between three systems drawn in their cartoon. The students have had a tremendous year of exploration in science, we are so proud of all that they have learned!
The Blake science department wishes our science students a wonderful summer full of questions about the world in which we live. For those who would like to practice some science here are some links to a free program to keep those skills in good shape.
Here are some virtual field trips that you can take over the summer
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