Wood Hill 7th Graders Blend Science, Mythology, Art, and Technology in PBL Projects

One of the distinguishing characteristics of PBL (project-based learning) is the integration of student study in multiple disciplines within a single project.  Wood Hill 7th graders on the east team recently presented projects that brought together their scientific study of natural phenomena such as earthquakes, thunder, and volcanos with their research on mythological explanations for these phenomena from around the world.  Each student team produced a video presenting the myth they had researched and included original artwork visually depicting scenes from the myth story.

Scientific explanation paired with mythical explanations were presented using StoryMap presentation software

 Each student group presentation was presented using the StoryMap presentation application available for free online (http://storymap.knightlab.com).  The program allows students to indicate where in the world the myth originated by adding buttons to specific locations on the interactive map.  When a location with a button is selected, the viewer is presented with a brief student-narrated slide show telling the story of the myth and offering a scientific explanation for the natural phenomenon on which the myth is based.

Parents and students view the final presentations

Many parents and relatives visited Wood Hill just before the December break to view the final draft of the program.  The project was truly unique in its design by bringing together social studies, science, art, and technology - a combination not frequently found blended together with such creativity and integration.  Congratulations to the the 7 East students and teachers Tina Kelly (math/science), Kathryn Conti (social studies/language arts), and Lisa Miller (special education) for an original presentation and learning experience.

You can check out all of the projects online at http://cdn.knightlab.com/libs/storymapjs/latest/embed/?url=https://6fdf67b1173b2fe9809d7fc8f439c5caf5e5ae6c.googledrive.com/host/0B2T0QOVlQiztelFUUFZWYlpUTlk/published.json .

Doherty 7th Graders Display Endangered Species Habitats

     The Doherty Middle School cafeteria looked like a miniature zoo last Friday as 7th grade students on the 7A team displayed their endangered species zoo enclosures created as part of their PBL (project based learning) unit on biomes.  Student groups of three or four students were assigned an environmental biome to research and present to classmates.  As part of their research, students identified an endangered species that lives in their biome and designed an enclosure for this species that could be found in a modern zoo.  The living conditions and needs of the species were researched and the information used to build a model of the animal enclosure for display.

Sean McDonald and Jack Beherrell researched tarsiers

Suren Maheswaren and Jack O'Brien studied Canus lupus, the grey wolf

      As with most PBL units, students worked on different aspects of their projects in all of their classes.  In math, data gathered about biome climate and animal populations were presented on line graphs.  In past years, students composed a letter to a federal legislator in support of continued protection for the endangered species being studied.  However, this year, students wrote letters to the Andover town manager expressing concern about the potential impact of a gas pipeline running through Andover which is part of a deciduous forest biome.

The amur leopard got some exposure thanks to Carly Dyer, Natalie Brennan, and Vinzay Vieia-Vazquez

Myles Robinson and Lukas Kaufman-LaDuc presented their findings about the endangered hawksbill turtle

     On Friday, December 12, students presented their biome and species research and model enclosures during an hour long open house for parents and guests.  While interviewing students about their research, I found most students had developed a good knowledge of the animals they investigated and the issues related to their survival.  There was a lot to see in an hour!

Bradley Abel, Ben Merggendahl, and Christopher Lyman created an enclosure model for African wild dogs

AHS Environmental Sustainability Interns Making an Impact

     AHS senior Meghan Johnson spends time each week working with mentor Brad Weeden of the Bancroft School PTO developing a recycling program at elementary level.  Fellow student Ellie Mapstone is working with mentor Brian Salazar on place making project seeking to identify locations and attractions in Andover that would bring attention to Andover as a destination to visit as part of the Andover Tomorrow project.  Mr. Salazar is also mentoring senior Peter Rex on a transit-oriented development mapping project for Andover while Town Planner Paul Materazzo is mentoring Julia Fraser with her work on the Andover Tomorrow project.  Rhiannon O'Donald is working with Conservation Commissioner Bob Douglas on an effort to relocate a proposed gas pipeline through Andover while Van Shrestinian works with Mr. Douglas to develop local trials and conservation sites.  Andover Green Advisory Board member Charissa Rigano is mentoring Jake Golan's work to create a new hiking trail on Andover conservation land.  Each of these students are all seniors currently enrolled in one of Andover High School's newest courses, the Environmental Sustainability Internship Course also known as ESIC.    

This year's AHS  ESIC interns   

     Now in its second year, this course pairs the enrolled 12th graders with a mentor from a local organization or business to develop an internship experience related to environmental sustainability. The ESIC program is quickly growing in notoriety and is drawing a lot of positive attention as a result of the impact that interns are having on programs and initiatives across Andover.
     The weekly schedule for the course has students working on their internship projects with their volunteer mentors on their Tuesday and Thursday and working in class on Mondays and Wednesdays either reporting on their projects, sharing struggles or successes, learning workplace skills, or working together on a group project assessing air quality at the school.  ESIC students are also conducting an indoor air quality study at AHS using the EPA's IAQ Tools For Schools Kits.  On Fridays, students are usually visited by a guest speaker who comes to the high school to talk about an environmental sustainability topic or program.

AHS ESIC intern Ellie Mapstone working with students from Phillips Academy on her place making project

       AHS science teacher Melanie Cutler led the development of the course and teaches it to a class of 14 seniors.  She is supported by retired AHS science teacher Jane Sonntag who serves the program as the mentor liason.  In this role, she visits mentors to check in on how the internships are proceeding and to offer support to mentors and students in the development of the internship relationship.  The program is also supported by Steve Fink of Green Andover who works to network and build connections between the ESIC course member and local organizations and programs.  It's a team effort that is greatly supported by volunteer mentors from a variety of backgrounds.
       ESIC students had been gaining attention locally for the quality and importance their research and presentations to local organizations in a variety of areas.  Victor Amesoeder is working with AYS Director Bill Fahey on the greening effort of the new AYS Youth Center.  Beitrice Choo is collaborating with School Committee chair Annie Gilbert on designing a a potential learning lab space in an environmentally sustainable manner.  Mentored by Town Energy Manager Janet Nicosa, senior Carly Droof is identifying old refrigerators in town buildings to be replaced by more energy efficient and economical units while McKenzie Nash is supporting recycling initiatives at Andover High, West Middle School, and Doherty Middle School.

AHS senior Sophia Allen describes her work on assessing the need and feasibility of a community garden in Andover to session attendees at the Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers Conference in November.

     This year's participants have been earning rave reviews from their mentors and others aware of the work they are doing in support of numerous local sustainability efforts.  In addition to gaining knowledge about the topics they are working on, students are developing valuable project management, collaboration, and presentation skills while experiencing the ups and downs of moving authentic projects through unexpected developments.  Once the course is finished in January, some participants will continue to work on their projects through the spring.  When all are finished, they will have made a lasting impact on their community and have gained valuable life skills that will serve them well on their futures.

Cool Science Comes to West Elementary

     It's been an exciting couple of weeks for students at West Elementary School with visits from two enjoyable and informative science presentations visiting the school.  On December 2, second grade students welcomed Michael Bergen from Top Secret Science (http://www.topsecretscience.com) for a presentation about chemistry.  With the entire 2nd grade seated at tables in the cafeteria, students learned and experimented about different kinds of chemical reactions.

Michael Bergen from Top Secret science preps students for making snow

The first experiment involved mixing two liquids together that when reacting, created a mass of expanding, fluffy artificial snow!  Students learned that this substance is frequently used on movie sets to make it seem like winter even in the middle of summer.

Junior scientists at work making snow

     Next, ordinary plastic beads were strung on pipe cleaners to create somewhat dull looking bracelets...until the beads were exposed to sunlight - then they turned a variety of colors when reacting to ultraviolet light.  Several other demonstrations and activities were enjoyed by all 2nd graders during the hour-long program, an annual event funded by the West El PTO.


     On December 10, it was the 4th grade's time to enjoy their annual visit from Mr. Tom Wahle of Techsploration (http://www.techsploration.com) who presented an electrifying program in the auditorium about electricity.  The sparks were flying with Van der Graff generators, Tesla coils, wind turbines, and a variety of other electricity-related devices all on display during an outstanding presentation introducing students to what electricity is, how it behaves, how it is made, and what it can be used for.  The program was presented just as students begin their electricity unit of study in science.

Mr. Wahle, with help from a friend, demonstrates how copper wire and magnets can be used to generate electricity

After the presentation to the whole grade, Mr. Wahle presented hour long workshops for each 4th grade class during which students build a variety of low voltage circuits complete with switches, bells, electromagnets, and a variety of design challenges.  As with Top Secret Science, the electricity program was made possible through funding provided by the school's PTO and is always regarded as one of the highlights of the 4th grade experience.

An introduction to the parts of the electronics kits is presented.

The challenge - to build a parallel circuit

Experimenting with different kinds of switches

Troubleshooting new circuits