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Biology students conducted a scientific exercise using a dichotomous key to identify Jelly Belly flavors, similar to how biologists historically identified species before DNA technology. They applied key scientific skills such as observation, hypothesis formation, and testing. This tasty experiment highlighted both the strengths and limitations of traditional classification methods, providing insights into scientific practices.

Zoology students applied the principles of taxonomy to classify stuffed animal toys by characteristics such as size, shape, color, pattern, fur, feathers, scales, wings, and tails.  

It’s time to share some photos from our end of the year Engineering fair.

The Farms class visited Morningside Urban Farm and met with farmer Hannah Patrick and Angela Charlton, Carilion Community Health Educator & Morningside Urban Farm Coordinator, to learn about SE Roanoke’s own small farm and garden and the many cool community events happening there. Thank you to both Hannah and Angela for their time!

The CHS Farms class visited LEAP’s Food Hub to learn about all of the good work LEAP does making important connections within the Roanoke food system.

The Farms class visited Virginia Western Community College to see their apiary, greenhouse, hydroponics setup, and arboretum. Thank you to VWCC professors Heather Butler (alum parent) and Jenifer Kurtz (current parent) for showing us around!

Astrobiology has been studying why NASA says to “follow the water” to look for possible extraterrestrial life. After an activity where they examined water’s unique properties, their final challenge was as follows: you sent your rover to a possibly habitable planet with the instructions to bring back samples of any clear liquid it found. Out […]

Students presented on the recipes they researched for a recent project in the Food, Farming, and the Future class. Tsula A-L made delicious töltött káposzta (stuffed cabbage leaves) and szatmári szilvás gombóc (plum dumplings), while Tyler shared a family favorite, Cheeseball Dip, with the class. Other students presented on a variety of foods, from pasta […]

To demonstrate biological concepts and processes, our students created baby Reebops out of marshmallows and gumdrops. They used parent Reebop chromosomes to determine their features, and it’s a great illustration of how genetics is responsible for both similarities and differences within a species. Plus, they’re super cute!

Our Biology students designed their own experiments to determine what devices might affect the protection of wild and mutant yeast strains unable to repair their DNA after exposure to UV rays. Would non-UV blocking advertised glasses offer the same protection as proper UV protective sunglasses? Would a camera lens filter out UV rays effectively? Does […]

Astrobiology students are studying planetary formation through the principle of density differentiation, which explains how planets develop distinct layers as they form. In the early molten stages of a planet, heavier elements like iron sink to the center, while lighter materials such as silicates rise to the surface, creating a core, mantle, and crust with […]

After learning about heat transfer, phase changes and phase diagrams, the Chemistry class put it all together to make ice cream using sublimation as a heat absorber. The students cooled down their liquid mixture of milk, sugar, and vanilla with crushed dry ice to create a fun, and slightly carbonated, ice cream treat.

Engineering students learned about center of mass, rotational motion, and torque by building balanced mobiles. Some students started with calculations and a plan, while others began their project by building and balancing by eye. The second group found out how tricky that approach was, and how useful an accurate drawing can be. In the end, […]