Knightly News

It’s May in Middle School. Similar to students in other divisions, sixth through eighth graders are eager for summer, and teachers must find creative ways to keep students engaged. Science teacher Jessica O’Neal ’11 recently deployed something new.

Seventh grade students are learning about the systems of the human body. Rather than stand before the class and share information on the digestive, respiratory or circulatory systems, O’Neal charged students with educating their classmates. The teacher-for-a-day assignment requires teams of students to become experts on their chosen system. The teams must present what they’ve learned, develop guided notes and lead an activity. O’Neal says the response has been positive, with some Middle Schoolers saying it has been their favorite project so far. “This has proven to be effective for this time of year,” she says.

The lesson requires students to plan, manage time and problem solve. They must work together and anticipate the needs of their classmates. It’s a lesson in executive functioning as much as it is a science assignment. “Students have the chance to organize, plan and consider the important details to extract for teaching and learning,” says Middle School Counselor Alicia Kelly. “These valuable executive functioning and planning skills can help them moving forward as they may develop some new strategies to study for tests and take notes.”  Helping students boost their executive functioning abilities is a frequent consideration for Kelly and school support services staff members Robin Talamo, Laura Portwood and Kristen Wilcox.  Programs such as Lower School Homework Helpers are just one example of their efforts to help students develop the skills that are so necessary for future success. 

The Middle School teacher-for-a-day assignment highlights how students also develop these skills in the classroom. Seventh graders recently showed off their body systems knowledge with slideshows and an activity. Classmates answered task card questions about the immune system and cut out a paper model of the respiratory system. Hopefully, the experience will make a lasting impression as they prepare for eighth grade science next year.

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