Seventh grade science focuses on the study of life and how systems have multiple parts that work together to maintain homeostasis. They have also investigated how disruptions to homeostasis can have ripple effects throughout the system. Teacher Sarah Freilich explained: “In keeping with the theme of systems, as students embark on our space science unit, they are building stronger conceptual understandings of the daily, monthly, and yearly cycles seen on earth.” In class on Monday—a wonderful sunny day!—students created sundials to explore the relative movement and positioning of the sun. “Specifically in this activity, students learned that the earth’s revolution on its axis allows the sun’s position in the sky to give us an accurate reading of the time,” continued Ms. Freilich. Students also made pinhole cameras to attempt to observe sunspots and collect data over multiple days to provide evidence that the sun also rotates.

 

Ms. Freilich said enthusiastically, “It is great when students can use their surroundings to explore a concept and put it into practice.” MORE PHOTOS