IT TAKES TWO… DOESN’T IT?
All species are driven to create more of their own kind… but there’s no such thing as Mommy & Daddy Amoeba. Students learned how different organisms reproduce. Single-celled organisms can divide into two, some simple animals can grow from a bump on the single parent’s body, and many plants can create clones of themselves. Contrast this asexual reproduction with sexual reproduction: it takes a lot less time, but there is no genetic variation. Mixing genes up makes things a lot more interesting – otherwise we would all be absolutely identical to Adam – and there wouldn’t even be an Eve!
Miss Kleinschuster
WE’RE GONNA CRASH!
Slabs of the Earth’s crust are always moving. Sloooowly, but moving, nonetheless. Eighth grade, having learned that there are several layers of the Earth, are also learning that the crust, or lithosphere, is floating on molten rock (magma). The continents are like boxes on a supermarket’s conveyor belt, carried along. Some of these conveyor belts will lead to collisions; others will separate. Others may travel alongside each other in different directions. When this happens with rock, mountains or new land can form. So can natural disasters.
Miss Kleinschuster
THAT’S CLASSIFIED
Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species. Every species on Earth can be traced through this classification system, and seventh grade is learning about the diversity of life on our planet. Our God is a creative individual!
Miss Kleinschuster
WINTER WARMING?!
Earth is a cool place to be… until you start digging deeper. This month sixth grade learned about the Earth’s layers, from core to crust, and the magma that can be stirred up beneath the Earth’s surface. When there’s too much tectonic activity, things start heating up! Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur due to moving plates.
Did you know that a single volcanic eruption can affect the entire globe? When Mt. Pinatubo (in the Philippines) erupted in 1991, debris such as dust, gas and ash traveled to the atmosphere and spread around the world, affecting the global climate.
Miss Kleinschuster
Learning outside the classroom
The 10th grade students have had the opportunity to have the classroom instruction reinforced by taking a trip underground were water solution formed a long and beautiful passage. It has been the site of over 80 wedding ceremonies and was also used as a ballroom in the late 1800’s. The entrance to the cave was accidentally created in 1883.
Our students saw the different materials of rocks and how they glow with natural colorful light in pure darkness.
We have seen once again how God has created all beauty, whether easily seen in the details of nature and in the sky or as we have witnessed in the deep crevices of the earth.
Ms. Farrell
They solved the case
The 9th grade investigation for this lab included evaluating structural and molecular identities of plants, seeds, enzymes, DNA, and amino acids. Seven tests were performed, a hypothesis was made by each student, and a conclusion with evidence needed to be presented. Our students learned how DNA obtains information to form amino acids and produce protein. It is a lab in which they discover information about the substances given, and compare to see which are most similar. Terms which were once confusing such as: simulated electrophoresis gel, and chromatography; were made clear as they performed each task. There were various tools given, several tests performed, some resulting colors from plant extracts, but only one conclusion! Each class did a good job. They solved The Case!
Ms. Farrell
Newbery medal winner
Students read the Newbery medal winner, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, about a family and their struggles with racism during the pre-Civil Rights time period of the 1930’s. The realistic characters and their Southern dialogue captured the students’ attention and kept them turning pages. Eighth graders participated in great discussions about prejudice and stereotypes. In addition, students read Eric Liddell: Something Greater Than Gold, about the inspiring story of the Scottish Olympic Gold Medalist, who gave up his career to answer God’s call to minister in China.
Mrs. Foster
We love to read
Students read one of the classic dog stories, Where the Red Fern Grows. Many students were able to relate to the deep love Billy, the main character, had for his dogs. It was a great story of encouragement to all of us to possess perseverance and courage. Additionally, students read Gladys Aylward: The Adventure of a Lifetime. Several students said they couldn’t put the book down! By God’s grace, she accomplished much, including being a key part of the obliteration of foot-binding among women in China.
Mrs. Foster
C. S. Lewis
Students entered the classic, C.S. Lewis-created world of Narnia as they read the final book of the series, The Last Battle. They enjoyed the fantasy elements as well as the Christian symbolism. Also, students read the amazing story of Amos Fortune: Free Man, a man who spent most of his life enslaved and worked to obtain the freedom of many others.
Mrs. Foster
The Great Debate
The ultimate activity of the year, after much discussion, research, and essay-writing, was the Eighth Grade DEBATE on the controversial issue of professional athlete’s salaries. Selected students battled their peers in a live debate before an audience of students, teachers, and judges. Each debater had to prepare an argument supported with research, as well as cross-examination questions. There were many impressive and even humorous moments that captivated the audience. At the conclusion of the debate, audience members gave words of encouragement, and debaters self-reflected on their performance. It was definitely the highlight of the year!
Mrs. Foster