Grade 8 Visits the State House

Last Thursday our 8th grade traveled to Boston to tour the State House and the John Adams Court House.

They were received by Representative James Kelcourse, who allowed them to sit in the representatives' desks and gave them a peak into the Governor's office.

Students were also able to sit in the two primary courtrooms used by the Supreme Judicial Court which allowed for some nice connections to the To Kill a Mockingbird unit.

We send our thanks to the PTO who fully funded the transportation into Boston.

Grade 6 Consumer Products Investigation Expo

Our 6th grade students culminated their Consumer Products Investigation unit with an exposition of their work. Students learned to design, run and analyze an experiment by testing a consumer product of their choice (e.g. toothpaste, nail polish, laundry detergent, batteries).

The final phase of the project was to create an exhibit and share the results orally. Project boards included data graphs generated using a spread sheet and a formal written lab report.

All our 6th grade scientists spoke articulately about their products and were thoughtful about the experimental process.

Many thanks go to our 6th grade teachers and our many parent volunteers who supported students in preparing for the final exposition.

Grade 7 Science Students Build Cells

To continue their exploration of animal and plant cells, students in 7th grade were at work "building" cells. Using baggies, jello and other assorted items (gummi bears were the Golgi bodies in this group's model) students were focused on understanding and identifying the parts of animal and plant cells.

RAN Track Off and Running

Yesterday was the first day of the Spring track season. Over 100 students in grade 6-8 are signed up. This instructional program is a great way for students to learn about track and field events, practice some new skills, and spend time with their peers.

It was great to see the team on the beautiful new 8-lane track-now we just need a little sunshine!

Memorializing History, A Grade 8 Civil Rights Project

Today was the kick-off to our 8th grade Civil Rights Memorial Project. Students have been studying the Civil Rights Movement and will begin focusing in on one area of the history.

As a culmination of the research, students will design and build a prototype monument that documents and memorializes the people and the movement.

The lesson today introduced students to the idea of a memorial through a study of several national monuments including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. Students explored the differences between abstract and realistic memorials. They learned that the Vietnam Veterans Memorial artist, Maya Lin, designed the wall to look like a wound that cut the earth. They were challenged to think about why Lin chose black granite, and this lead to an interesting conversation about the word reflective. The shiny granite is reflective literally, allowing each person to see him or herself among the names, and figuratively, providing a simple backdrop for reflective thought.

Students will have the opportunity to think about how to memorialize the moment in history they are studying. Final projects will require students to think both literally about the history and figuratively about the lasting legacy of the Civil Rights movement.

Grade 7 Holocaust Studies

Students in 7th grade are working to complete their "We Promise to Remember" fold-out book project. This project is the culminating activity for a unit on Holocaust Studies that is anchored to a book entitled I Promised I Would Tell by Sonia Weitz .

Ms. Weitz's beautiful memoir and poetry recount her experiences as a young Jewish girl living in Poland during the second world war. In past years, the Nock was lucky to have Sonia visit to speak with students and view their reflections and projects. She was an inspiration to me, each time she visited we were pushed to think carefully about the power of hate. Sonia passed away in 2010, but her memory is kept alive at the Nock through the incredible art, research and writing of our students.

Add caption

Young and Budding Artist Show Opens Today

The Newburyport Art Association's Young and Budding Artist Show opens today. We have a number of Nock students exhibiting their work. Work will be on display until April 1. Join the artists for a reception on Sunday. March 12 from 2-4.