Eighth Graders Apply Science Studies to Real World Situations

Whether it was rock climbing or living without cell phone service, eighth graders shared why a three-day class trip upstate was worthwhile at Monday night's Board of Education meeting.

In November, PMS sent its first eighth grade class to Frost Valley YMCA in the Catskills to enhance their team building skills and to study science in a hands-on way. At Thursday night's board meeting, four PMS students, Principal Joseph Longobardi and earth science teacher Tom Roksvold offered the educational and adventure highlights from the outing.

"We are always looking for ways to integrate curriculum with real-world experience," Longobardi explained.

All but 15 students in the eighth grade class attended the trip. But no one stayed back because of financial concerns, as the students fundraised and some parents donated additional money to pay for those who couldn't afford the trip.

Students watched their textbook readings come to life when they observed an actual dissected plateau (read: a plateau region that has eroded to the point that the relief is sharp). The eighth graders also applied their physics studies when they built a catapult that propelled hoops.

"We used science that we learned from previous years," remarked eighth grader Jordan Salama. "My team didn't win, but we were able to see how a catapult works."

Students increased their ecological awareness when they measured how much food they wasted after each meal. While the students enjoyed the competition that ensued, they didn't all quite enjoy the healthful dishes that included salads and soups.

"It makes you appreciate home cooking," admitted Kylie Hearle.

But what the students relished most, was getting the chance to conquer their fears. The teens were divided into groups of 14 and each had the opportunity to try one "high-risk" activity from zip lining to climbing up a giant swing.

One student stood on the zip line's edge for 16 minutes before mustering the courage to take the plunge, Roksvold said. "The pride that beamed [on her face] was amazing," he remarked. After the hesitant student hit the ground, she went ahead and climbed right back up.

Many of the students saw getting away from technology—texting, internet and television—as a welcome respite.

One student told Roksvold, "It's nice to actually have a conversation."