Fall

Autumn is here! Leaves are falling and the air is cool and crisp! The skies are clear and it is the perfect time to learn about the heavens! In 8th grade, students have been focusing on the Earth, Moon, and Sun systems; using models to simulate eclipses and lunar phases. In 6th grade, students have been studying space beyond our solar system; learning about the characteristics and beauty of God's wonderful creation: the stars. The 6th graders have been busy designing experiments to test different types of magnitude and will finish the unit using their improvisation abilities to act out the different categories of stars. We were especially blessed this year when, right in the middle of our space unit, a total lunar eclipse occurred. Several students got up at 5am and took a selfie with the eclipse in the background. Anything for extra credit!

Wow! We have been busy in science lately!

In 8th grade we just finished up a unit on the solar system and are now studying star formation and the universe. Students modeled our solar system out in the courtyard and learned that it stretches much further than anticipated. Using our scale of one shoe equals 15 million km, it extended way out into the parking lot! Later, we darkened the classroom and students modeled the lunar phases as the moon circles the Earth. We will finish the year building and racing Rocket Racers!





In 7th grade the students did an excellent job on their frog dissections. There was only an occasional "gross" or "eeew" heard. Mostly it was "that's VERY scientific" (code for "gross" and "eeew"). Within minutes, all students were engaged in the activity and learning about the frog's digestive system. We have now moved on to a study of the human body; learning about reproduction, the skin, the bones, and to finish strong - the muscles!

In 6th grade we finished our unit on biomes. The students formed groups and built and presented different biomes to the class. The construction took place entirely in class - and what a great job they did! We have now started studying the Earth's atmosphere and hope to get a chance to do another construction project - building anemometers!

Spring is here!

It's April already and Easter is just around the corner! This school year has just flown by! In science the students have been busy learning about God's wonderful and intricate Creation.

In 8th grade, we just finished up units on atoms and chemical reactions. Students built atomic models, and mixed, tested, and analyzed solutions. They distinguished acids from bases, determined the polarity of mystery substances, made molecular models and demonstrated the law of conservation,,, a fun, colorful, messy time was had by all! Now... on to space!

 In 7th grade, students recently discovered genetics and how God has given each organism a unique genetic code. Students enjoyed building their Spudoodle babies based on randomly selected chromosomes. They have now moved on to the animal kingdom. The students learned to use the dissection tools as they explored the digestive tract and circulatory system of 10 inch earthworms. Cutting open the intestine they found the expected favorite worm food: dirt! Yum! Next up - vertebrates and the much anticipated frog dissection!

In 6th grade the students have had fun learning about our rockin', rollin', explosive planet Earth. Student built structures made of sugar cubes, bouillon, and jello to explore the different effects of earthquakes. They also became safety inspectors for the day as they inspected their homes for earthquake safety and wrote a letter of recommendations to their families. Recently, they made volcanoes and experimented with different types of lava flow and the effects on habitats. After Easter vacation we will be shifting gears a bit and learning about biomes. Students will research and build biomes in class - they will be on display at our Expo! Come look!