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Properties of Light

Students in 7th and 8th grade participated in a light class this fall that explored the topics of reflection, refraction, absorption and color. To start this unit, students were asked to build a “chamber” out of paper where they had to reflect the light into the pyramid.  This simulation was to show how Ancient Egyptians Read More >>

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Rocks and Minerals 

In the fall, 2020, the 4-6 graders got to learn about rocks and minerals. To start our rocks and minerals class, we learned about the three rock types (Sedimentary, Metamorphic, and Igneous) and some characteristics of each type of rock, including how each type is formed. Then, we moved into how rocks are ever-changing and Read More >>

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Butternut Creek 2020

At The New School we work hard to bring our curriculum alive, and to take our students out into the community for hands on learning experiences. This fall, as we started learning about fresh water biomes, we took our students in grades 4 – 7 to explore Butternut Creek. Nothing quite like donning a pair Read More >>

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Animal Classification Part 3

This fall we resumed an Animal Classification Class that we had started last year.  It included last year’s children and our newer children as well.  We began with a long read aloud (and slide show-once we figured out how) called The Most Beautiful Rooftop in the World by Kathryn Lasky.  It is a dense book Read More >>

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Systemic Racism

Our children, our students, live in a world that has developed all kinds of media and ways to transmit information, disinformation, ideas, and images.  They hear the media, adults, other peers talking about events and opinions as they move through their days.  Some of these ideas are exciting and innovative, others are darker and disturbing.  Read More >>

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7 Minutes of Terror

Students in 7th and 8th grade participated in a long distance learning science class where they were challenged to create a heat shield for the MELDI sensor. The launch window for the Mars 2020 mission opens July 17 and closes Aug. 5, when Earth and Mars are in the proper positions in the solar system Read More >>

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Lego Class

In Lego class 3rd and 4th graders used Legos to learn about simple and powered machines using hands-on activities. First, they investigated structures and forces, incorporating both rigid and flexible shapes in building deck chairs and drawbridges. Applying principles they learned about levers, they made drumming machines. Attaching a motor provided more opportunities to explore. Read More >>

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Sound

Questions guided our unit:  How do things make sound? How does sound travel through liquids, solids and gases? What determines the pitch of a sound? How is sound measured and how do our ears allow us to hear sounds? To help us answer such questions, we went on field trips and invited mystery guests/experts to Read More >>

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Shadows

Over the span of 4 weeks, students from 3rd to 5th grade had the opportunity to learn with our student teacher, Emily. During her time with us, she taught a science unit on shadows! This unit was equally as exciting and difficult with the challenges presented to us in the world with distance learning. We Read More >>

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Chemistry

This fall students in fifth and seventh grade will be studying chemistry and why it matters. To begin our unit of study, students performed and observed experiments involving physical and chemical changes. From there, students were brought outside to search for physical and chemical changes in their own backyard. The emphasis on this unit of Read More >>