Middle School

6th graders had a blast with the Elephant Toothpaste experiment, comparing it to a cinder cone volcano! Just like how magma bursts out in a volcano, the foam exploded in a dramatic release of gas. It’s a quick but powerful eruption, just like a cinder cone’s fiery activity!

Eighth graders explored the world of Cubism, studying artists like Picasso, Braque, and Gris. Inspired by traditional Cubist still lifes, they created their own compositions by breaking objects into fragments as they drew them. Students enhanced their drawings with value changes, collaged materials, and simulated textures to bring the Cubist style to life.

In the 8th grade Foundations of Engineering and Technology high school credit course, William Molinari explored the intersection of biology and technology through a hands-on project creating a realistic animatronic heart. Using a dual shaft DC motor and 3D printed pieces, wired and soldered parts were combined. The speed of the heartbeat can be adjusted by a DC speed controller. The heart is enclosed creatively using a repurposed silicone glove. This innovative project showcases creativity, technical skills, and passion for merging science and engineering.

7th graders explored diffusion and osmosis with a hands-on cell model! Using a bag as the cell membrane and cornstarch as cytoplasm, they observed iodine diffusing through the “membrane,” causing a color change—demonstrating how cells move materials and regulate water.

In Makerspace exploratory, sixth-grade students explored physics and engineering through the design and construction of paper roller coasters for marbles. After investigating kinetic and potential energy using the interactive Qweebi platform, students worked in teams to engineer coaster systems that sustained marble motion for at least 15 seconds. Through iterative testing, data-driven adjustments, and structural redesign, students demonstrated an understanding of energy transfer, the engineering design process, and collaborative problem-solving.

We were thrilled to host the MLK Day of Service Community event, welcoming over 300 guests for a day filled with joy, learning, and meaningful mitzvah projects benefiting Atlanta organizations. Families came together with their little ones to participate in hands-on activities, including mitzvah stations and music circles with Here We Grow!

Acclaimed author Leslea Newman visited our Mechina through 8th-grade students, along with faculty and staff, for engaging and inspiring presentations. She shared insights into her research and writing process, read excerpts from her books, and thoughtfully answered students’ questions. Following the presentation, students Sasha Gold and Blakely Fair conducted a featured interview for the Author Podcast Series.

Students rotated through hands-on lab stations exploring classification and properties of matter, including density, viscosity, solubility, and physical vs. chemical changes. They used provided materials to make observations, classify matter, and draw inferences, sparking inquiry and discussion. This activity serves as an engaging introduction to properties of matter and provides experiences students can reference during later instruction.

Our 8th graders are taking on big ideas through C-SPAN’s StudentCam competition, creating documentaries that connect the ideals of the Declaration of Independence to issues facing our country today. As they tackle topics like democracy, rights, and access to education, students are sharpening their voices as informed, thoughtful citizens while living out our values of wisdom, justice, and honor.

Our Davis family came together for an unforgettable evening of basketball, community, and ruach! Congratulations to our Boy's and Girl's Basketball teams for kicking off the new year with two impressive games, scoring 35-26 and 30-12 respectively. Go Lions!