The sixth grade has studied how organisms and species adapt and respond to their environment. The students completed a project where they picked an organism and altered its environment. Then they discovered and created adaptations and responses that the organism would need to survive. The portfolios were great and we learned much about the different types of adaptations of organisms. The sixth grade is now studying ecosystems and biomes. We just created a water ecosystem. The students made predictions and will collect data through observation. They then will analyze their data and summarize their conclusions. This unit will progress into land and water biomes and finally recycling.

The seventh grade just completed earthquakes and volcanoes. Our volcano projects brought a lot of joy and laughter and we still learned a great deal. The project required groups to choose a volcano anywhere in the world. Then they were able to use two days of computer lesson time to collect research pertaining to their volcano. Mrs. Mirscov guided them through this learning activity. The project also required the students to classify their volcano and report all historical data and geographical information. Another main requirement was to research the volcano's impact on its populations and the environment in that region. I suspect everyone's favorite component of the project was the visual representation. Our presentations included scrapbooks, a music video, posters, diagrams, a power point presentation on the computer, and of course, physically represented volcanoes. We discovered red tinted vinegar and baking soda make lava and diet Coke and Mentos make pyroclastic explosions. Some eruptions were bigger than others but we enjoyed all of them. The seventh grade is just beginning minerals and rocks and we will be attempting to make crystal gardens. Stop by the science room in a few weeks to see what crystals we have created.

The eighth grade has completed the Astronomy unit. In this unit we studied the moon, the sun, the stars, the planets, the galaxies and finally the universe. We were able to create diagrams and visual representations of the planets and the life of a star. Our big project was a research paper accomplished in science class and in computer class with Mrs. Mirscov. Mrs. Mirscov focused on the format and the presentation of the paper. In the science room we discussed questions and data collection for the content of the paper and how it answered and related to their topics chosen. This project was chosen to prepare the eighth graders for paper writing in high school. Chemical Interactions is our next unit. The students and I are anxious to get those test tubes and beakers out of the cabinet.

Return to the previous page.