Form A Science Class
The Form A science course focuses on engineering and technology. Throughout the year, students engage with several projects, including LEGO Spike Robotics, introductory coding, 3D printing and prototyping, SeaPerch Underwater ROVs, mousetrap cars, and earthquake towers.
LEGO Spike Robotics is a program that enables individuals without formal training in engineering and computer programming to design, build, and program small-scale robots.The introduction to coding prepares students to take the Computer Science Fundamentals Express Course offered at www.code.org. As a result of the course, students will master the core computer science and programming concepts such as computational thinking, algorithms, functions, and conditionals. Students also learn how to code in Scratch, with the capstone project having the students design their own video game.
Students gain an introduction to 3D printing and prototyping and its various uses by creating their own objects using online CAD software Tinkercad. They then print out their designs using our Ultimaker 2+ 3D printers. They also design prototype car bumpers and test them to see if they help their car passengers (eggs) survive.
The SeaPerch program gives students meaningful, hands-on experience in building and designing robots and applying that experience to the scientific field of underwater exploration. The building of the SeaPerch ROVs is the capstone project of the underwater explorer unit.
For the mousetrap car project students work in groups to build a car powered by a mousetrap and compete to see which car can travel the furthest. Lastly the earthquake tower unit involves students building their own balsa wood tower and testing its stability using our shake table. They also study the cause of earthquakes and the damage the August 2011 earthquake caused to the DC region, specifically the Washington National Cathedral.
Each student keeps a weekly science journal to track their learning and growth throughout the year. In the spring, students participate in the Form A Maker Faire where students showcase projects that they made. Form A Science meets four times in our seven-day cycle for the entire year.
Science class is also complemented by a life-skills program. This multi-session continuation of the Form C and B component—taught by various Lower School teachers—addresses responsible decision-making, healthful living, human sexuality, and the dangers of tobacco and alcohol use.
LEGO Spike Robotics is a program that enables individuals without formal training in engineering and computer programming to design, build, and program small-scale robots.The introduction to coding prepares students to take the Computer Science Fundamentals Express Course offered at www.code.org. As a result of the course, students will master the core computer science and programming concepts such as computational thinking, algorithms, functions, and conditionals. Students also learn how to code in Scratch, with the capstone project having the students design their own video game.
Students gain an introduction to 3D printing and prototyping and its various uses by creating their own objects using online CAD software Tinkercad. They then print out their designs using our Ultimaker 2+ 3D printers. They also design prototype car bumpers and test them to see if they help their car passengers (eggs) survive.
The SeaPerch program gives students meaningful, hands-on experience in building and designing robots and applying that experience to the scientific field of underwater exploration. The building of the SeaPerch ROVs is the capstone project of the underwater explorer unit.
For the mousetrap car project students work in groups to build a car powered by a mousetrap and compete to see which car can travel the furthest. Lastly the earthquake tower unit involves students building their own balsa wood tower and testing its stability using our shake table. They also study the cause of earthquakes and the damage the August 2011 earthquake caused to the DC region, specifically the Washington National Cathedral.
Each student keeps a weekly science journal to track their learning and growth throughout the year. In the spring, students participate in the Form A Maker Faire where students showcase projects that they made. Form A Science meets four times in our seven-day cycle for the entire year.
Science class is also complemented by a life-skills program. This multi-session continuation of the Form C and B component—taught by various Lower School teachers—addresses responsible decision-making, healthful living, human sexuality, and the dangers of tobacco and alcohol use.
