Middle School Science: Experiential Learning for Building a Better World
Holly Caldwell
Whether guiding students through the impact of water erosion, analyzing resource management use, or taking part in sustainability efforts, Shipley’s Middle School science teachers stress the importance of experiential learning. In so doing, they challenge students to approach each unit with intellectual curiosity by asking the question: “How can we be better observers in the world and ask more critical questions to create the world we wish to see?”
Central to this approach involves studying certain topics, such as Earth’s water systems, with an interdisciplinary and hands-on approach. Working in tandem with STEAM classes, students will connect a stream table to the water system and create tiny houses with 3D printers to simulate water erosion patterns using different amounts of flow. “You can think of this as a train table for hydrology,” explains teacher Joseph Frigo.
Though resource management use is often categorized as a science-based endeavor, Mr. Frigo’s students teamed up with Mark Stetina’s history classes to examine how humans have impacted the natural environment. As part of their learning about Mayan history, eighth grade students shared a classroom with an axolotl, an amphibian native to Central Mexico and the Yucatán that flourished during the time of the Maya, but due to pollution and agricultural methods, now faces extinction in the wild.
After delving into various aspects of sustainability, students will apply their knowledge and build a stream ecosystem. In January, classes received rainbow trout eggs from the Fish and Wildlife Service of PA. Students will rear the trout through multiple stages until May, when they will be released into the Wissahickon Creek. When asked how this type of hands-on learning enriches the curriculum, Mr. Frigo replied, “This type of experiential learning is essential to helping students understand how and why ecosystems have changed over time. It helps them consider why it is beneficial to stock the Wissahickon with trout each year and who might benefit from that.”
The tangible skills students acquire through experiential learning in forming and testing hypotheses extend well beyond the classroom and apply to a multitude of scenarios, such as social situations, creating new technologies, or business development, according to Mr. Frigo. With this solid foundation, his students will surely be prepared to take an active role in creating the world they wish to see. —by Holly Caldwell
Eighth graders visited Saunders Woods Preserve, a local Natural Lands Trust property, to document and record species diversity there, comparing it to species diversity on campus with the goal of figuring out how management of public versus private land can have significant impact on ecosystems.
Students observe live animals in the classroom. Teachers connect lessons in topics like resource mismanagement to the snakes and frogs that live in the classrooms.
Learn more about Chantra Reinman—from her unexpected journey into education to her love for dance, and a surprising encounter with royalty, Chantra shares what drives her to make a difference in the lives of young learners. Discover why she's so passionate about protecting children's options and possibilities, what she loves to do in her free time, and why the classic film Roman Holiday holds a special place in her heart.
In the whirlwind of the first few weeks of school, Shipley's teachers set the tone in their classrooms with engaging ice-breaker activities that transcend traditional introductions. Through these activities, our students are not merely getting to know each other; they are building the foundations of a thriving, supportive, and vibrant community that will guide them on their journey to becoming their best selves.
Phillip Brown, Upper School Theater Director at Shipley, considers his portrayal of Jay Jackson in Lantern Theater Company's "The Royale" to be the role of a lifetime.The play was nominated for seven Barrymore Awards, including Outstanding Overall Production of a Play, with Phillip himself nominated for Outstanding Leading Performance in a Play.
Contour line drawing is more than a classroom exercise, it demands unwavering concentration, forging connections between the artist and their subject, creating a unique interplay between the pen and paper. A poignant reminder that art isn't merely about what we see; it's about how we see it and the stories we can convey through the lines we draw.
Explore the world of renowned artist Rory MacArthur at The Speer Gallery in a mesmerizing exhibition on loan from the West Collection. Discover MacArthur's journey into glyphs and abstraction, where he crafts perfect glyph-like objects using color, shape, surface, and form in an age inundated with symbols.
In an effort enrich Shipley’s Theater Arts Program, significant changes are underway, touching every aspect of the program—from personnel to scheduling. Learn more about the exciting changes underway in Shipley's Theater Arts.
Meet Sergio Jackson, Shipley’s Director of Athletic Performance, who inspires the community to move and thrive. Learn about his journey from a college athlete to Shipley, where he creates an inclusive and empowering environment for the community. You will also discover how he applies his guiding principles of strength, energy, resilience, and gratitude (SERG) to help students achieve their health and wellness goals.
Departing Director of Physical Plant and Security, Bob Meals, shares his fond memories and gratitude. This place isn't just a workplace; it's a home," he emphasized, having lived on campus for 25 plus years. The family-like environment, the friendships, and the connections with students, families, and coworkers are what make this place so unique."
Join us on Saturday, September 30, for this day-long celebration that will include a kids’ carnival, free community barbecue, athletic events, Kona Ice, and more. Festivities begin at 10:00 am! Carnival, Kona Ice Truck, 5th grade smoothies, and Middle School bake sale proceeds will support Shipley's 22-year partnership with The Brain Tree Primary School in Uganda.
Shipley's very own Director of Bands, Dr. Harley Givler was recognized as a finalist in the 10th Annual Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute Ovation Awards. He and the nine other finalists were nominated by current and former students who wrote essays on “How My Music Teacher Changed My Life.”
Shipley’s Asian Student Alliance (ASA), led by co-presidents Amber Feng ’24 and Anne Gu ’25, recognized Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month with programming for Upper School students, including a presentation about AAPI Heritage Month by members of the ASA, and one by guest speaker Elvis Zhang ’17 about his life as an entrepreneur and Asian American.
Capping their stellar season, the girls’ played Springside Chestnut Hill Academy in the Final League game, only this time the tables turned and Shipley was victorious.
Shipley's Middle School Latin students took the 2023 National Latin Examination with over 100,000 students from around the world. Thirteen students earned Latin Award prizes and recognition for excellence. Middle School Latin students also competed in The Philadelphia Classical Society's 84th Annual Latin Week Competition - Traditional Artistry & Literary Projects on Classical themes. A total of 30 Middle School students won Latin Awards and recognition for excellence.
The Upper School Administration recognized the outgoing and incoming student leadership officers and presented students with academic, athletic, and leadership awards at the annual Closing Awards Ceremony.
"How can we use the language of art to explore our feelings and beliefs? What do I care about and how can I bring that idea to life? What do I want to communicate?" These are just a few of the questions that Shipley’s Studio Art 3 Honors students grappled with as they completed their protest art assignments. Learn more about this project and how students discover their voice as artists to speak about something they care about.
Shipley’s Middle School Science Olympiad team finished 11th out of 36 middle school teams that participated in the recent States competition. Though it may not have been as good as the outcome the team wanted, the Olympians and coaches came away from the experience with much more than a trophy or gold medal. Learn more about what makes the Science Olympiad experience such an amazing one.
Defining scientific research questions and the process of inquiry is an important part of Middle School science. Beginning in sixth grade, students define their questions, then design experiments to help them answer these questions. Eighth graders recently traveled to Saunders Woods to do this work as part of their ecosystem assessment project—just one example of how authentic assessments create meaningful learning experiences.
The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.