The first trimester’s academic assembly highlighted several unique class projects in science, math and history that Associate Head of School Josh Cobb referred to as the “20 percent” – assignments that innovate and explore new methods. Several students in Grades 7/8 also received Effort Awards for outstanding work in their MESH (math, English, science, history) and world languages classes.

 

To begin, fifth graders described a combined science, history and math lesson that involved applying the mummification process to two brands of hotdogs. They first learned the history and significance of ancient Egyptian burial traditions, then prepared a science experiment to determine how salt and baking soda affect the physical properties of hotdogs. Measuring, charting and analyzing the test subjects led to their conclusions. Students said, “We learned that having more than one person measure was a good idea.”

 

Next, sixth graders shared their learning about the Renaissance through a new video project. They staged an interview with the student actors who portrayed famous artists, architects and politicians of the era and ended with a robust rap battle that pitted Michelangelo against DaVinci.

 

Seventh graders described their math board games assignment that challenged them to develop fun, creative games based on rational numbers. They were graded on how well they designed the problems, rules and directions. Students say they were challenged to make and follow a plan, learning valuable skills in project management and collaboration.

 

Other seventh graders talked about a science lesson studying geologic time. They described creating a timeline five meters long that plotted nine stages of earth’s history and the field trip to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science that enhanced classroom learning.

 

Finally, eighth grade mathematicians demonstrated the concept of slope by showing equations in terms of marshmallows consumed per second. One lucky student had the “job” of eating marshmallows at a rate of two per second.

 

The second half of the assembly was devoted to academic excellence. Academic Excellence awards acknowledge students who:

 

Congratulations to these award winners for the first trimester: