7/11/12

Barrack Launches Middle School "Planet Space"

Expands Science Program and Extracurricular Opportunities

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July 11, 2012 ( Bryn Mawr, PA: ) Imaginations will soar this fall as Barrack Middle School students, grades 6-8, explore “Planet Space,” a year-long thematic program that integrates the many facets of science, from biology to physics, and includes the study of astronomy, Newton’s Laws of Gravity, micro-organisms, eco-systems, rocketry, engineering and travel and survival in space. Students will also travel to the Buehler Space Center in Paramus, N.J. where they will participate in a Moon Mission Simulation, leading into their culminating project on rocket building.

The Middle School students will work individually and in groups, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, using the latest research technology and putting their creativity to work as they design rockets.

“Based on the success of a two-year Middle School science pilot program that included trimester-long thematic units on “Planet Ocean” and “Planet Earth,” comments Rhonda August, Barrack’s Science Department Chair, “we expanded the thematic units into year-long programs that include a major trip and engineering design work that bring the students’ scientific studies to life.”

“Planet Space” takes S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) to the next level of integrated learning- S.T.E.A. M.- (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math),” explains Mrs. August. “Students will create blue prints and build prototypes that make their devices both functional and aesthetic.”

Middle Schools students also have the opportunity to explore science in Barrack’s Dragster and Electric Games electives and in Robotics, Engineering, and Environmental Action clubs.

“Our innovative, year-long thematic science programs are designed to inspire a spirit of discovery and love of science, setting the stage for future success as our Middle School students advance to Upper School,” adds Sharon P. Levin, Head of School, “and many of our graduates go on to pursue outstanding careers in science and math.” To learn more about Barrack and our science programs, arrange a personal tour today. Contact Jennifer Groen ’91, our new Director of Admission: jgroen@jbha.org or 610-922-2350.