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Learning Updates for January 16 to January 20

January 20, 2023

Digging Into the Rocks In Sixth Grade Science

Students in sixth grade have started a unit on geology and are learning to define and explain the idea that geology determines biology, one of what Mr. Hamilton refers to as his four “Nursing Home Messages” (feel free to ask your sixth grader for clarification).

Having learned a bit about Earth’s layers and the ways in which they occur as a result of changes in temperature, density, and pressure, students went on to develop an understanding of the rock cycle and the three major rock types. Along the way, they had a chance to explore and closely observe a variety of rocks and minerals from around the globe to better understand how different locations, landscapes, and geological processes can impact the formation of crystals. From here, they will dive deep into plate tectonics and the ways in which Earth’s constantly moving plates sculpt and reshape the landmasses we call home.

– Bill Hamilton, sixth grade science teacher

Fifth Graders Unlock Understanding of Others

In fifth grade, students worked on their “Key to Understanding the Beauty of Others.” In chapter two of The Arrival by Shaun Tan we see the main character insert a key to unlock his new home and attached to this key is a symbol. In this activity, students constructed a physical symbol of the “key” to understanding others. The symbol represents an idea, concept, or behavior which they feel is the “key” to understanding the unique beauty of others.

– Vaniecia Skinner, fifth grade teacher

Third Graders Present Their Animal Adaptations

The third graders have been learning about the physical and behavioral adaptations of animals. As their culminating project, students designed and constructed an animal using their knowledge of adaptations as well as their own creativity! Some criteria included structural adaptations that allowed for an offense or defense against predators, instinctive behavioral adaptations, place within a food chain, and a habitat suited for its biome. Over the past few days, our third grade zoologists have been presenting these new species to their classmates in person as well as family members near and far via Zoom.

– Leigh Twarog, third grade teacher

By John O'Neill, director of athletics |

November 15, 2024

It was an uphill battle for the girls’ junior varsity soccer team this fall. With a condensed roster and some first-time players, the team struggled to gain traction early on. As the season progressed, however, the team slowly began to…

BDS

November 15, 2024

Sixth Graders Interview Faculty About Identity This past Friday, our sixth grade students completed their final diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging lesson as part of our growth, development, and belonging program. For the entire trimester, students dove deep into understanding…

BDS

November 8, 2024

Songwriters and Recording Technology Students Unite This week, students in the seventh and eighth grade Songwriting arts elective showcased their work in a Tiny Desk-inspired recording event in the Erskine Library. They collaborated to think about form, lyrical rhyming structures,…

By John O'Neill, Director of Athletics |

November 8, 2024

The boys’ varsity soccer team finished their season on a high note with a dominant 4-0 win over Lexington Christian Academy this week. The win improved the team’s record to 7-3 on the season, with all three losses coming by…
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