Dear Friends,
In seventh grade, we are mixing and awakening to chemistry in our current block. The elements of combustion have been illuminated by Dale Heidal and his experience with fire science. There were some exciting moments when gas was lit and the flames were high. We were able to relate the process of fire and oxidation with our own digestive system. We can also relate to the carbon cycle as we wrote poetry to trace the journey of a carbon atom that has become part of our body. The students wrote about epic sweeps of time and space to illustrate the movement of a single carbon atom through the elements of solid, liquid, gas and fire. The important connection is being drawn between the elements and atoms that we share with every other living organism. The polarities of acids and bases in the pH scale are being explored as the students are also exploring their own relationships and polar tendencies. Chemical reactions are also reflected in different personality types coming together. These processes of acids and bases are constantly finding a dynamic balance in our own bodies as we also live between the forces of life and death.
The students also continued to explore the somewhat hidden realm of what ingredients are in our food. Brian Gregory invited us into his home to roast, and taste some coffee. We talked about the importance of the connection to the places where the beans are produced and processed. In addition, their poster projects are currently presented in the middle school foyer. There is a good balance of artistic work and scientific exploration to uncover where ingredients come from. The ability to uncover seemingly complex terms and chemicals showed a real maturity in their ability to teach themselves. There is a motion toward seeking truth rather than having a passive attitude toward what the world presents us. This is the mood of an artist who is actively observing the world which is so often taken for granted. Through this study and through honing their senses, the students are developing skills that will allow them to adapt to the rapidly changing world of tomorrow.
-Keenan Hand