Environmental Earth/Space



WHAT DO STUDENTS GAIN FROM THE E.E.S.S. MAGNET?

When students leave us, they should have:

•a growing understanding of what science is and what scientists do,

•a deepening sense of wonder about how the world works,

•an informed appreciation for environmental systems, and

•passed two high school final exams, earning two high school credits.

 

WHAT ARE SOME UNIQUE FEATURES OF THE E.E.S.S. MAGNET?

Design and carry out experiments

Students will complete experiments during their three-year experience, including investigations into water quality, life processes, ecological cycles, rock identification, and soil composition.

Technology

Students become knowledgeable about technology through computer activities which allow them to create and present PowerPoints, Web 2.0 tools, research information using the Internet, produce word documents, or analyze data. Students have exclusive access to the magnet's computers, which are located either in the classroom (laptop carts) or in the magnet's computer lab. The ability to create and present material in middle school allows students to gain experience that is beneficial to them in high school and college.

Attend field trips

The environmental and earth/space science magnet allows for many field trip possibilities. Some past field trip experiences or possible future field trips include:

  • Nature center, ecology (grade 6)
  • Chesapeake Bay - single day trip, Aquatics (grade 6)
  • Local streams - stream studies, Aquatics (grade 6)
  • 3-day Smith Island trip, Chesapeake Bay (optional - grade 7/8)
  • Museum of Natural History (grade 8)
  • Caving (grade 8)