The Island, Mutant-ny, Planet X Colonization... through the Explore experience, middle school students engage in collaborative problem-solving to address large, complex and open-ended questions. During 6th, 7th, and 8th grade, students are given a driving question and synthesize information from various fields of science and engineering to determine a solution. The spiraling Explore curriculum is a preview of high school content and assists students in determining possible areas of interest to pursue in future studies. All explorations are hands-on, immersive experiences that promote critical thinking, collaboration, and opportunities for personal expression.
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6TH GRADE: The Island Archaeology
Students learn through studying an actual archaeological site and then conduct their own archaeological dig on the PSCS campus. Survival Skills
Through hands on challenges, students discover what skills are needed in wilderness survival situations. Flight/Aerodynamics
Students engineer kites, hot air balloons, airplanes, and rockets to discover the principles of flight. Structural Design
Bridges and buildings must be engineered to create shelter on the island. Students discover how engineers design structures to be safe, sustainable, and functional. |
7TH GRADE: Mutant-ny: Super Heroes or Super Villains? Forensics
Students become crime scene investigators and experience the science of DNA, fingerprints, blood, tool marks, microfibers, and much more in an effort to learn more about the mutants. Structural Design & Landscaping
Students study architectural design and city planning in an effort to keep the mutants out! Geography
Utilizing GPS/GIS technology students learn to read, utilize and create maps, an necessary tool to navigate a landscape of mutant zombies. Genetics
Blue eyes, breathe under water....what is the science that determines our individual characteristics and can it be controlled in the age of mutants? |
8TH GRADE: Planet X Colonization Astronomy
Students must evacuate Earth (mutant apocalypse, after all!) and determine which planets can sustain life going forward through the study of stars, planets, and the galaxy. WEather/CLimate
Weather and climate impact every part of nature. Students design clothing out of recycled materials to meet the demands of different weather and climate scenarios for Planet X. HOrticulture
Population increases and reduction of space to produce food require creative thinking. Students consider how to grow and sustain food in their new colony. ANIMAL SCIENCE
Students discover the housing, health, and daily care needs of animals in an effort to survive on the planet. |
Each Explore class aligns with one of our 5 High School Pathways:
