Academics
McCain-Ravenel Center
McCain-Ravenel Center
Recent Flex Blocks | October 2024
Modern World History Considers Complexities of D.C.
Ninth graders in Joe Eldred’s Case Studies in Modern World History learned about the emergence of complex societies in ancient Mesopotamia. To bring their textbooks to life, the students explored Washington for a flex block designed to have them look at the city in a new light. Using ancient Mesopotamia as a case study, they first studied eleven characteristics of a complex society, including job specialization, innovative technology, and monumental architecture. Their flex block assignment? Study D.C. as if they’ve never been there before and find evidence to use in an analytical essay arguing whether D.C. is considered a complex society based on the characteristics they studied. “It’s a win-win with both a solid pedagogical purpose and a chance for some of the students to see and explore the National Mall for the first time,” Eldred shared.
Biology Explores Union Market
Blair Dewing’s biology class took a trip to Union Market in Washington, D.C., to explore the city’s culinary diversity and examine how food choices impact daily life. At the market, students investigated connections between popular dishes and the macromolecules essential for our bodies. They identified foods rich in simple and complex carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, linking these components to energy and cellular function. As they chose their lunches, they reflected on how the nutrients would fuel them through the rest of their academic day, prepare them for sports practices or games, and sustain them for Study Hall in the evening.
Engineering Visits Building Momentum
Dave Collins’ engineering class visited Building Momentum, a fabrication laboratory that collaborates with industry and military organizations to solve problems creatively. Using the engineering design process, students participated in a team challenge to design, weld, and create a water-holding vessel from four pieces of steel. This hands-on experience encouraged creative improvements and sparked discussions about the strengths and weaknesses of welding compared to other joining methods. “It was awesome to see each group tackle the problem with a different design,” Collins said. “Even though no team was completely watertight, they each made improvements on their original design plan which strengthened their understanding of the lesson plan.”
