Sixth grade has been studying earthquakes.  We have learned how to use seismograms of the primary and secondary seismic waves to pinpoint an earthquake’s epicenter.  Last Thursday, we used what we’ve learned about building safety and designed our own buildings out of toothpicks and marshmallows on a base of jello.  Then, we put them to the test!  Every group’s building withstood our “earthquake” (except for the one mishap …which slid right off the table).  The “winner” with the best design and tallest building that withstood the earthquake will be announced in class on Monday!

Seventh grade has been studying evolution and animal adaptations.  We’ve learned about Darwin’s theory of natural selection and how new species develop.

Eighth grade has been studying matter and have learned the difference between physical and chemical reactions.  We’ve had fun watching substances fizz and bubble, change colors and change from liquids to solids.  We also have been studying factors that affect the reaction rate in chemical reactions.  This week, the eighth graders formed groups to each test a factor that affects the reaction rate of effervescent tablets.  Each group had to choose a factor…create a “testable” question and a hypothesis. They had to design a test – including a materials list and procedure.  They had lab time to run the test a minimum of three times and record the results in a data table.  They will complete their experiments by creating graphs from their data tables and presenting their group results to the class.

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