We begin the semester with a creative challenge to exercise our minds. Students use creative problem solving and critical thinking skills to design and build a package to safely carry one raw egg as it is dropped from a second story roof to the sidewalk below. Successes and failures are quickly discovered at our biannual Egg Drop!!

The study of the brain is the major focus of the 7th grade year. We explore brain physiology and function, memory and learning styles. During a trip to the St. Louis Practical Anatomy Association, a neurologist shares first hand experiences and brain specimens with us. Fascinating Finds provides students with the opportunity to research a brain-related topic and communicate their findings to the class. Students use a variety of sources, including an interview, to collect in-depth information and prepare visual aids. All work is shared in presentations. Thus, students improve skills in presenting information in an interesting and educational way, as well as benefit from the new ideas found by others. An important element of this challenging unit is to help students develop and use strategies for planning and completing such a project without undue stress.