Seventh Graders Research and Educate on Climate Change
In seven grade science, students have been learning about climate change and the greenhouse effect through a variety of different lenses, including evaluating climate data, conducting research, performing simulations, and doing interviews. Students were tasked with using what they learned about climate change in order to educate an audience of their choice about the science behind the greenhouse effect. They were also asked to educate their audience on what they can do to help mitigate the effects of climate change. Students came up with an array of creative methods to share their learning: from posters to put up around the school and short Zoom lessons to blogs and websites. Students have chosen a variety of different groups to share their messages with, such as the fifth grade science class, the larger school community at BDS, and neighbors in their hometown, to name just a few. The project has been an engaging way for students to use their creativity to synthesize their learning from the unit! Click here to see many of the students’ projects.
– Leal Carter, grades 7 & 8 science teacher
Fifth Graders Design and Create Assistive Devices
To conclude their study of the human body in science class, fifth graders are working in teams to design and 3D-print an assistive device. Students started by brainstorming different disabilities and then selected a “user” for whom they would create a device. Students identified possible challenges that their user might experience in their day-to-day lives, and then brainstormed ideas for devices to help lessen those challenges. Students made concept sketches of several device designs before deciding on two designs to create in Tinkercad, a 3D-modeling software. Students are now printing some of their devices and critiquing them. Students will make changes based on feedback before arriving at a final design solution for their user.
– Emma Nairn, grade 5 teacher, and Kurt Robinson, innovation and art teacher
