CSI at TCS!
October 8, 2013
DNA Extraction
The 1st science lab of the year was held today at the school. These weekly labs are conducted by a group of volunteer students at Johns Hopkins University who formed a group several years ago called JHU-CSI, Community School initiative. Today our students were amazed when they did a DNA extraction from a banana. Each lab includes a lecture presentation, handout worksheet, and a hands on demonstration. Special thanks to all the members of JHU-CSI
Students Samantha Bell and Mary Lechner accepted a special invitation to the School of the Way by founder John Starling. The mutual respect held by our two schools was reaffirmed as John presented a shirt to Tom Culotta. Both teachers expressed their appreciation of each other’s work and the relationship that includes extending high school credit for TCS students for dedicated participation in the School of the Way. Earlier in the day, TCS graduate and School of the Way student Zack Austin gave a presentation about the Mentoring Martial Arts school to our students encouraging their interest. Both schools are fully committed to the positive development of neighborhood youth.
Today, the students were given an opportunity to show what they have been learning in science class. Given a set of graduated cylinders, a triple beam balance scale, apple juice, olive oil, water and a rock, the students had to work co-operatively to demonstrate an understanding of density and specific gravity. It was exciting to watch them come together and use their collective minds to solve the tasks assigned! We are very proud of this actively engaged class!
The class went to see the movie, The Butler, today at Rotunda Theaters. They were all moved by this very personal story told within an intense historical period of social change. The movie prompted an excellent discussion about the history of racism and the struggle for civil rights. Everyone liked the movie and said it gave them a clearer understanding of what African-American people went through during this time.