Mitochondria are Still The Powerhouse of the Cell - Grade 11 Biology

The Grade 11 Biology students created a labeled model of a bacterial cell this week with their teacher Mr. Pozen.
After following two simple instructions: Create a model of a bacterial cell and of an animal cell and Explain how each of the organelles inside of the cell work together. The class then divided up the work, assigned each person to help with different parts of the lesson, and then taught each other about the 2 different types of cells.
Mr. Pozen says, “I love seeing what students create when they are given ownership in their learning.”

Senior DP Biology - The Rat Pack

Senior DP Biology students applied their understanding of animal physiology and systems as they dissected rats. Students compared the anatomical similarities and differences between rats and humans throughout this hands-on learning experience, which will feed into future discussions related to evolution and cladistics.

PGIA/Montessori Collaboration

Ms. Kessler (Science Teacher in the PGIA) visits Ms. Satter’s class to give a lesson on how to use the compound microscope.

First Day "Eclipses" All Expectations!

There was a buzz of energy surrounding campus on our first day of school - and not just from the excitement of being back!  Our PGIA students were all hyped up for their field trip to UVI, and those of us still on campus spent the afternoon gawking upward with our jaws dropped.  Experiencing the solar eclipse at VIMSIA and UVI was simply awesome!  We had so much help and support from UVI and Dr. David Morris.  We thank them so much for being instrumental in the great science that abounded yesterday surrounding the solar eclipse.

Photo of the eclipse taken at UVI field by PGIA 8th grade student Vidhika .

Our PGIA students all took a field trip to UVI to participate in the solar eclipse educational outreach presented by UVI.  The Upper Elementary students hit the soccer field with eclipse glasses provided by UVI and pinhole cameras that they made in class.  Lower Elementary student groups took turns poking out from under the solar awning to experience the image through their solar glasses.

This from Upper Elementary Teacher, Ms. Morrison to UVI's Dr. Morris:

WOW ! Wow! Wow!   Thank you, Dr. Morris,  that was just amazing!  We had the opportunity to have all of our 9 to 12 yr olds, most of the 6 to 9 yrs olds view with teacher's assistance and most of the school administration each took a gander skyward.  We also had many parents, as they arrived to pick up their children, take a look and even a few little ones under their parent's supervision.  I had to laugh at the number of folks who, when initially offered the glasses, said "ah no, its no big deal"  yet when encouraged, exclaimed how incredible it was.  For a point of reference our pick-up time is between 3:25 and roughly 3:45 so prime shock and awe window.   

Sooo.... saying thanks really doesn't seem to express how grateful we are to you for the glasses. Really!

Sincerely, Ms. Morrison

---

Look closely at the images of light on the sidewalk.  The trees over the sidewalk have created a "pinhole" camera to reflect the eclipsed sun on the path.  These were taken at about 3:35, so very near the maximum coverage that we experienced here in St. Thomas.

End Session: NASA Day 3

Our final day at NASA was pretty awesome. We saw the Atlantis and learned all about the history of the shuttle program. Pretty spectacular. We rode the shuttle simulation which definitely tested one's love of turbulence and sense of balance. We attended a college fair, talked with some robotic teams, and saw one team's robot have a very successful run in the competition.

Tomorrow, we'll visit the Space Coast FabLab and then settle into our villa in Orlando, probably followed by shopping and a movie. 

I have laughed so much today at each of your children. They say the wittiest things...especially when they don't think you're listening. I've also learned a lot about music and Snapchat!

Hugs, Ms. E

End Session: Galápagos Trip Day 1

The Galapagos End Session spent two days exploring Quito and surrounding areas.  Tuesday they visited historic areas in Quito, and sampled famous local dishes such as guinea pig. Some were open-minded enough to try an ice cream flavor called “caca de perro.” Wednesday they went to Cotopaxi, the world’s second highest active volcano. They observed llamas and condors; in fact they spent an hour watching the condors - their guide said he hadn’t seen so many condors together in 20 years!  Thursday it’s off the the Galapagos Islands!

PGIA Students Visit Petra, Jordan

PGIA students on the Weizmann trip to Israel and Jordan spent their final day touring the ancient city of Petra.  All five students and their chaperones are now in route from Paris and are due back tomorrow.  We are so anxious to hear the student reflections and to see the presentation that they put together to document this amazing adventure.

Israel Trip: Days 1-3, Weizmann Institute of scientific research

Our students have just completed their three day science session at the Weizmann Institute.  As you can see from the photos below, they were immersed in a wide variety of scientific topics and cutting edge research.  From curing cancer to curing Alzheimer's - covering topics in chemistry, physics, biology and astronomy - our students will return from Israel having had an experience unique to only a very few high school students in the world.  We are so thankful for our relationship with the Weizmann Institute and the amazing benefits it yields for these curious student minds.

The remainder of the trip will take the group to Jerusalem, Masada and the Dead Sea, and across the border to Petra in Jordan.  Watch for posts journaling the remainder of this great adventure!

First lab at Weizmann

This lab was about decomposing cells.

Long term memory research

Zebra fish lab

Here they are studying blood vessel traits

Cancer research lab

Garlic as a cure for colon cancer

Designing the next generation of solar panels

Developing a cure for Alzheimer's

Chemistry discussion

This is a microscope to measure atoms of materials

The students have seen the difference in an atom of copper and an atom of gold.

Bon Voyage to Our Students Heading to Israel

Weizmann Institute of Science has graciously invited our PGIA students back this year for another science camp at their amazing university.  World renowned scientists from Weizmann will have sessions with our students from Sunday through Wednesday, at which point the group will travel throughout Israel and Jordan.  Six students attended this trip last year with life altering results.  There are no words.  This year the students are Skyler, Silas, Aneesh, Megan and Ni'quay.

An excerpt from Vanshika's reflection of last year's trip:

This journey has thoroughly broadened my horizons, both scientifically and culturally. While being introduced to new customs and science, I found deeper meanings for both. Science isn’t simply knowledge, though knowledge is a poignant part of it; it is the ability to apply what knowledge you have and to solve questions that have never been asked before. Curiosity is the origin of all breakthroughs in science, because if scientists weren’t curious, they wouldn’t ask these excellent questions. 

Vanshika last year at the Dead Sea

NASA Visits VIMSIA May 9

VIMSIA is proud to host a group of six NASA scientists and engineers for a Student Science Day during our regular school hours.  Students will see and experience great science and tech throughout the day courtesy of our NASA guests.  Topics to be covered include: Environmental Engineering, Applied Physics, Medical Science, Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Development and Computer Science.

Register for events and/or read more about NASA's visit and how they will be reaching out to USVI students and educators during the first week of May.

Interdisciplinary Science: The Grade 11 IBDP Group 4 Projects

Last week was a busy time for all of the hard working students in the PGIA. While grade 7-10 were engaged in the Iowa Tests of Educational Development and the grade 12 students were finishing their IBDP Mock Exams, the grade 11 students were completing their "Group 4 Projects", an integral part of the IB Diploma Program.

“The group 4 project is a collaborative activity where students from different group 4 subjects work together on a scientific or technological topic, allowing for concepts and perceptions from across the disciplines to be shared. Its aim is to develop an understanding of the relationships between scientific disciplines, their influence on other areas of knowledge and to appreciate the environmental, social and ethical implications of science and technology.”

— - International Baccalaureate Organization

“This year’s Group 4 project took the form of an interdisciplinary, collaborative investigation into epidemics. Through research and presentations, students demonstrated how biology, physics, chemistry, and environmental systems and societies are required for a full understanding of infectious diseases, including those afflicting both human and animal populations. The final presentations covered viral hemorrhagic fevers (i.e. ebola and dengue fever), HIV/AIDS, polio, and colony collapse disorder. ”

— Ms. Silva IBDP Biology Instructor

“I knew before that Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies were connected but it amazed me nonetheless. It just further showed me that science is related to many, if not all, aspects of life and it is so crucially important that we understand it because it so important to the way in which we live our lives. The value of the project was much larger than I expected. Collaborating with others and then learning more about the topics presented definitely solidified my decision to minor in a field related to the sciences while in college.”

— Leah, Grade 11

“Through completing the G4 project I began to better understand that each of the G4 subjects are like puzzle pieces, interconnected to look at through what are similar yet different perspectives to better understand and formulate a whole picture. Physics, Chemistry and Biology are subjects all used to investigate science-related topics in great detail through experiments and calculated data and ES&S interconnects these findings to look at their implications on the environmental systems within a society. Though execution of this project results in an array of learning opportunities, most importantly it further reinforced lessons of the importance of accountability, developing communication skills, remaining open-minded and having the ability to self motivate and independently execute a project.”

— Kayla, Grade 11

PGIA Students Ending their week at The Weizmann Institute in Israel

After three days of pure science at the Weizmann Institute, the PGIA students and their chaperones were able to visit some of the most historic sites on earth.  They stayed in a bedouin tent in the Masada Desert and hiked to the top of the plateau for sunrise and a tour of ruins that date back to the first century BC.  They swam in the Dead Sea and apparently had a lovely mud spa as well.  On to Jerusalem and seeing firsthand this historic place that evokes so much passion around the world.

We wish them peace and safety in their travels back home to friends and families that have missed them ever so much!

Day 2 for PGIA Students at The Weizmann Institute of Science

From Michael Bornn:  The students are immersed in science.  Today we started at 9:00 am with our first lab, it's now 9:25 pm and they are still in a lab.  And no one is complaining. In fact I have had to pull students out of labs to go to the next lab. One of our talented students asked the professor " if I could come back later".   Each student is finding their interests. They are interacting with each other more and more. Mr. Palmer is observing their interests and adding more lessons over breakfast and dinner breaks.  All I have to do is listen, watch and try and recall my science knowledge to follow the topics.  They are also observing and learning about the Israeli way of life.

Students at the Weizmann Institute in Israel Experiencing Science Firsthand: Day 1

Six PGIA students are at the Weizmann Institute this week further igniting their passions for science.  "Each student seems to be passionate about a different area of science.  This is amazing to watch and will be life-altering for these students.  We are seeing science right now that will change the world," from Head of School Michael Bornn, who is chaperoning the trip.

The Weizmann Institute of Science is one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary basic research institutions in the natural and exact sciences. It is located in Rehovot, Israel, just south of Tel Aviv.  The Institute has a long history of investigation and discovery rooted in a mission of advancing science for the benefit of humanity. 

PGIA Reef Bay Field Trip

Juniors and Seniors were sponsored for a scientific field trip to Reef Bay by Friends of Virgin Islands National Park.  National Park Ranger and great friend of the school, Laurel Brannick was their guide for the day.  Juniors and Biology Teacher Ms. Silva did a clean-up as a part of UVI's Coastweeks Cleanup.  Ms. Zakers and her 12th grade Environmental Systems and Societies class did individual directed research in areas including biodiversity, soil toxicity and endangered species.  Thanks to UVI, Friends of the National Park and Ranger Brannick.  This was a great experience for our students.