The power of pulleys

In their study of simple machines, 4th-6th graders studied pulleys which help move objects to hard-to-reach locations. Students built fixed, movable, and compound pulleys and investigated the advantages and energy savings of each one. As Archimedes said, “Give me a place to stand, and I shall move the earth.” The students realized from their work with pulleys that if they had enough pulleys, working in tandem, they could probably move the earth too!  

4th graders use Montessori materials to learn about decimals

Teacher Nancy Buchman instructed 4th graders in how to use the Montessori yellow decimal boards and place-value discs to add decimals. The materials allow them to easily recognize why they need to “exchange” when the quantity in one place value is 10 or above.

Students release butterflies

A few weeks ago, Izzy brought Painted Lady eggs from her butterfly kit to the (9-12) classroom. Students watched the caterpillars grow, make their chrysalises, and then emerge as butterflies. The whole class went outside to release the butterflies. Izzy unzipped their netted home and helped a few reluctant flyers with her finger. The students cheered as each one took flight.

New animal friends in the outdoor terrarium

Preprimary students have a terrarium where they host visiting animals discovered in their woods. Recent guests available for study are: land snails “Cuff” (beige) and “Link” (striped) and a handsome toad.

Preprimary students visited Greenacres and were filled with both wisdom and delicious salad

Preprimary students visited Greenacres where they made salads from start to finish. Students began by examining compost and the creatures that help create soil. They learned about gardening and then picked greens for their salad. Students ground spices for the buttermilk dressing and finally tasted the “fruits” – or rather the “vegetables” of their labor.

“Found Sound” students make music in innovative ways

TNSM music teacher Andrea Warnken asked 6th grade students to work in groups to create “Found Sound.” Their cohesive compositions were inspired by watching videos of John Cage and the Blue Man Group. Sounds could come from man-made or natural objects. Students were required to analyze sound sources for complementary and contrasting timbres. They decided whether a piece would be rhythmic or arrhythmic and determined how to communicate stop and start points. The videos below show 2 different compositions created by a student group.  

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4th, 5th and 6th grade students loving Shakespeare!

The New School Montessori’s Shakespeare Club is Cincinnati’s only Shakespeare Touring Ensemble made up entirely of child actors. Each year, a select group of 4th, 5th, and 6th graders from The New School Montessori offer a free 45-minute version of some of Shakespeare’s greatest works. They’ve performed, Macbeth, Julius Caesar, Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo and Juliet. In addition to providing shows for various elementary schools and local groups, they will also be performing in Project 38. Shakespeare + New School students = Spectacular. You’ve got to check this video out!

Students tour Melink to learn about energy conservation and more

TNSM parent Jeremy Chapman led our 1st-3rd grade students on a tour of Melink (the company where he works in Milford, Ohio).  Melink began as a kitchen hood manufacturer with a unique bend toward energy conservation. Their industrial “smart” kitchen fans were created to run only at rates and intervals that are necessary, therefore, saving lots of energy. Melink is leading the way in creating buildings that are energy sustainable. They use their own building as an energy lab, showcasing: the use of geothermal – which limits the amount of heating and cooling required to make their building comfortable, use of wind turbines and solar panels as renewable energy sources …

5th grader achieves Eagle Scout

Congratulations to TNSM 5th grader Rob Meeks. He’s the youngest to be awarded Boy Scout’s highest honor, Eagle Scout.