Sixth-graders from Ms. Vanzant's science class have been busily studying the Earth's Composition through research and various interactive activities.
The students began by investigating the layers of Earth, the Pangea Theory, the Continental Drift theory and the Theory of Plate Tectonics.
"After building our background knowledge, we began to explore specific movements and transforming boundaries," sixth-grade science teacher Brandi Vanzant said. "We learned that we notice and experience these movements through geographic features like earthquakes and volcanoes."
The first extension on their journey into Earth's composition included visiting Mrs. Bullard's STEAM Lab, where the students had the opportunity to examine brace and joints types to draw blueprints and later build earthquake resistant structures.
"Students in sixth grade designed and constructed "earthquake-proof" towers by incorporating bracing systems and joints that have been proven to help in the event of an earthquake," Middle School STEAM instructor Kim Bullard said.
Their most recent extension involved researching volcano eruptions and creating video reports using the information they learned.
"Students identified the parts of their volcano and explained how a volcano forms and erupts," Ms. Vanzant said. "Of course, the part they'd all been waiting for was causing their volcano to erupt."
Ms. Vanzant's class took their hand-made volcanoes outside and gave an enthusiastic "weather channel" style video report, informing their viewers on how to prepare before and how to stay safe during a volcanic eruption.
To complete this unit, the sixth-graders will focus on prediction methods for earthquake and volcanic activity.
"Hopefully, this memorable experience will not only inform students on proper precautions and safe actions but inspire them to respond empathetically when natural disasters take place," Ms. Vanzant said. "Who knows, maybe they'll even be the next engineers and designers of advanced warning systems."