Blog

CSI Physical Science and Bio Labs

The students participated in two very engaging CSI science labs this week. On Monday the Physical Science class observed two experiments displaying two different reactions that change the temperature of a substance. First they made ice cream by utilizing freezing point depression. Next, they watched our Johns Hopkins volunteers make “elephant toothpaste”, an exothermic reaction.

“We got a refresher on freezing point and freezing point depression, along with catalysts. It was very educational and I got to back up previous knowledge,” said sophomore Aidan.

The next day, the Biology class did an important rite of passage for all high school science students- a frog dissection.

Eleventh grader Olivia said, “I enjoyed seeing all the different organs in person. It gave me a visual for how organs in humans would look. I find the anatomy interesting, especially when it is on a dissection”.

As always, a big thank you to the Johns Hopkins undergraduate students who come lead the CSI labs.

Conversation With Mike Meola

Here’s what the students had to say about today’s inspiring Conversation With:

“I loved today’s conversation with Mr. Mike Meola. I could relate to him so much when he talked about his younger life, and he really inspired me with his speech about his work life and how he got there. He told us that staying in school is worth it (and it is). I stay focused, respect mentors, and to keep following your dreams. He proved that life doesn’t go in a straight line and that even when it isn’t, you could do things to help put you back on track. I really enjoyed his time here, and we hope he can come back again soon.” Sean

“He really gave us a lot of insight on his life and gave us some keys to success. He gave us  a lot of advice on how to make our future excellent. He told me the ways of becoming successful and to never give up on the dream. He told us to stick to the dream and that’s what I am going to do.” Tyleiah

Conversation With John Waters

Filmmaker, boundary-pusher, and Baltimore native John Waters joined the students today for a lively and humorous discussion about pursuing your dreams no matter what others think. Known for films such as Pink Flamingos, Cry-Baby, and Hairspray, Mr. Waters didn’t act the way the students thought a celebrity would; he sat down and launched right in to a comfortable conversation. They discussed his favorite films and what drives him to create his work.

Sara, a 3rd-year student, praised Water’s advice about following your dreams. “The advice he gave in the beginning was amazing. How he said that you only needed the one “yes” to go far in life. You can forget about all of the “no’s” you get, you only need that one “yes,” Sara said.

Olivia, also in her 3rd year, enjoyed how Mr. Waters discussed creating non-traditional work. She said, “Mr. John Waters’s work is so creative, and I love that his work challenges certain social norms. I think that it is interesting and cool that he finds ways to take something other people would turn their heads at and use that for a film or creative idea. I love that Mr. John Waters’s work is original, and that he is original and himself. I also am glad that Mr. Waters decided to stay in Baltimore, and to base his work here.”