7th & 8th Graders Explore Life and Physical Science

Science is all about curiosity, discovery, and hands-on learning, and our 7th and 8th graders have embraced these qualities with enthusiasm. This spring, they have tackled complex concepts through engaging labs, dissections, and experiments that challenge them to think critically and work like real scientists. 

Our 7th-grade life science students are wrapping up an extensive unit on human body systems. Along the way, they’ve dissected owl pellets to study skeletal structures, examined chicken feet to understand tendons and movement, and explored the complexities of the nervous system through sheep eye and brain dissections. The unit will culminate next week in an exciting frog dissection, where students will apply everything they’ve learned to investigate how different body systems work together. 

Meanwhile, our 8th-grade physical science students have been diving into physics concepts through interactive labs and projects. They’ve raced Hot Wheels cars in the “Inertia 500” and “Acceleration 500”, tested air resistance with parachutes, and are currently filming creative videos explaining Newton’s Laws. To make momentum and collision forces come alive, students are designing and competing in a paper car crash test. Next up, students will investigate gravity by dropping a variety of objects from the top of the Coombes Field bleachers. We’ll end the year by putting their engineering skills to the test by designing and building roller coasters. These experiences are helping them see physics in action while sharpening their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. 

Over the course of the year, it has been incredible to watch their growth—not just in their understanding of science but in their ability to think critically, collaborate, and persevere through challenges. Their dedication and enthusiasm make it clear that they are ready for whatever comes next!