Dear Parents,
Spring is in the air, and with it, we find new opportunities to “shake things up.” Last week I saw that in particular in science classes. Mrs. Martin’s class has been studying simple machines. Rather than read about them, they experienced them. On St. Patrick’s Day, and with every student dressed in green, Mrs. Martin and Mr. McGuigan came together to demonstrate the power of the simple machine, the pulley system, for our second graders. One student at a time lined up for a chance to “fly” in a harness (think Peter Pan), while his or her friends, led by Mr. McGuigan, gently pulled on a long rope. This is what we mean when we say we animate the curriculum! (click for more photos)
Later that day, when I went to the Middle School, I found Dr. Day, surrounded by eighth graders. They were gathered around a Van de Graaff generator. As a kick-off to their unit on electricity, Dr. Day described both static electricity and electrical current. Then, with the lights out, she allowed the generator to build up charge, resulting in a brief flow of electrons that the students could feel and see! The students were so engaged and excited to experience this. (click for more photos)
Stay tuned for more high flying and electrifying fun at Crossroads as the spring unfolds.
Cheers,
Jean
