World Geography
In world geography, students explore topics in both physical and cultural geography. The students discovered the difficulty of map-making by removing an orange peel and trying to find numerous ways to make it flat. The class explored contour maps by creating models from clay. We studied thematic maps by researching a topic and creating maps. Currently, the students are working in teams to design and build scale model cities. We will complete this semester by participating in a geography simulation. During the simulation, the students race around the world searching for artifacts to fill a museum. While the students are on their hunt, they are researching and presenting information on a variety of countries and topics. The students will also be completing a variety of additional projects to reinforce physical and cultural geography. World geography is an experience with global proportions.U.S. History
In U.S. History, we are currently studying about World War II. We have focused on a variety of aspects of the war, with most of the focus centered around specific events. First block class is competing an activity where we produced radio reports of significant events and people of the war, as if it was happening right then. Fourth block class is working in small groups on a script on what it might have been like if Einstein, Truman and MacArthur had met in the summer of 1945 to discuss dropping the first atomic bomb. Students need to know and include aspects of all three men and what there mind set might have been based on what role they had in the situation.
Political Science
In Political Science, we are currently studying about local government, in contrast to the previous units, which dealt with the Congress and Executive office. Shortly after the midterm, we will attend a local city council meeting to learn more about local government works and what important issues would be for local municipalities. Overall, this is an excellent group of students, with the Presidential Classroom students being exceptionally motivated to take what they've learned in Washington and apply it on a smaller scale.Choreography Class
Students are working on their performances for the parent seminar and on new routines.Physical Science
Students are working on a layered curriculum on chapter 6 (heat). We expect to see some solar heat experiments out in the sun.Students will be working on non-layered curriculum activities in the area of matter, atoms, and energy.
Physics
Students are completing a unit on energy, potential energy and kinetic energy, and doing labs 3 out of 4 days per week.Students will be working on a chapter on forces, again doing a lot of labs.
Environmental Science
Students have completed a unit on biomes and are now finishing a week studying the water cycle. Next month they will be studying more water, watersheds, and environmental issues concerning water.
Physical Fitness
We are doing cardiovascular circuit training sessions for 21 to 27 minutes on Tuesdays and Thursdays to enhance aerobic fitness levels and work on muscular tone, particularly the lower body. On Mondays and Wednesdays, students weight train with a partner on their upper bodies using 3 sets of 10-repetition model to build a muscular foundation and learn proper lifting technique.
Biology
Classes have been studying the science of inheritance. We have looked at the work of Gregor Mendel with his pea plant experiments, we are now finishing up meiosis and probability in genetics.Beginning next week we are moving into human genetics. We will study sex - linked inheritance, and genetic disorders. The students will also be completing a unit on the structure and replication of DNA and the structure and roles of RNA.
Classes are going well, it is rewarding to see the interest that the students have in traits and where they come from.
Chemistry
In chemistry, students have been learning about early atomic theory and how that developed into the present view of the structure of an atom. We made models of atoms based on Bohr's planetary atomic model, with students calculating the numbers of protons, electrons, and neutrons contained in different elements. The students will expand on their knowledge by making three-dimensional orbital models to depict where electrons are located in an atom.Students will be taking a more in-depth look at the electron configuration and orbital arrangement of atoms of different elements. They will be able to relate the structure of an atom to an element's placement on the periodic table and specific properties elements possess.
Classes have been going well. Overall, the students have been working very hard and seem to enjoy the labs that accompany the material we are studying.
Health
Students have been learning about risk taking, and how risks can both positively and negatively effect their physical, social, and emotional health. We have also been studying exercise and fitness, and students have participated in some basic physical fitness testing.Students will begin studying the various systems of the body. They will observe and learn how physical activity, nutrition, emotions, and relationships impact the health of these systems.
We have had some excellent discussions, with all students participating and sharing their opinions. The class size is small, which helps the students talk more openly about their feelings.
[ Looking Glass 2002 | Campus Tour | MBA History | Alumni News | Photo Albums | Resources | Central Oregon | Contact Us | Home ]Mount Bachelor Academy
33051 N.E. Ochoco Hwy.
Prineville, OR 97754
Phone: 1.800.462.3404
FAX 541.462.3430