8th Grade Forensics Labs

During our eighth grade Forensics and Justice unit, our students are investigating a fictitious crime. They are trying to figure out the cause of death of a fictitious seventh grader, Freddy Baker. They have learned forensic techniques through inquiry based labs. Now they need to put the crime scene evidence to the test. They did blood typing, DNA fingerprinting, decoding, blood spatter, fingerprinting and foot to stride analysis. After compiling this information along with the witness testimony, they are creating evidence boards and writing a synopsis of the case. 

8th Grade Trip - New York Hall of Science

The eighth graders visited the New York Hall of Science to participate in the Forensics Frenzy workshop. They learned about ink chromatography, fingerprinting, fiber analysis and decoding secret messages. 

6th Grade Trip - The Grange Rooftop Farm

Our sixth graders visited the Grange Rooftop Farm to learn about the benefits of urban farming. They study what it takes to have a successful farm inside city limits. Additionally, they learned about the traditional food system and all of the entities required. They examined how using a CSA or Greenmarket and compost greatly reduces waste and pollution. They will use this information to help them write about the spotlight ingredients they find at the Greenmarket. 

7th Grade - Building NYC

In seventh grade, our students are exploring:

Engineering & Architecture: What are the essential engineering principles that allow skyscrapers to be strong, efficient, tall & aesthetically pleasing?

Responsible Urban Development: How can new urban development meet the needs of a community?
We started the unit by challenging them to work collaboratively to build skyscraper models of a skyscraper. We looked for stability, accuracy and teamwork - we were very impressed with the outcome!

7th Grade Trip - Center for Architecture

As a part of our seventh grade "Building NYC" unit, our seventh graders attended a skyscraper building workshop at the Center for Architecture. Students learned about the structural systems that support tall buildings and then created their own models of a skyscraper's structural frame.

8th Grade Trip - Dolan DNA Lab

As a part of our Forensics unit, our eighth graders visited the Dolan DNA lab where they learned about DNA fingerprinting. They will use this technique to help them solve the fictitious murder of Freddy Baker.

6th Grade Trip - Greenmarket

As a part of our sixth grade "Food For Thought" unit, our sixth graders are learning about the impact our eating practices have on our natural environment. Individually, they are creating recipes that include ingredients found on our field trip to the Borough Hall or Union Square Greenmarket. In small groups, they will bring their recipe ideas together to create and brand a local and seasonal restaurant. We had a fantastic time at the Greenmarket learning about the farms and sampling fresh local produce!