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Showcasing Science Throughout the School
Seventh graders wrote research papers and
created an electronic quiz board on topics
related to evolution. Kindergarten students
(below) examined fish to note how they were
similar to and different from people.
How do animals stay warm in winter?
What is the rock cycle? What is the Hebrew
word for hail? With clipboards and
pencils in hands, Rashi students examined
the Science Showcase displays to find the
answers to these and other “scavenger
hunt” questions. The showcase highlighted
the results of science learning in all grades,
from kindergarteners’ research on ocean
animals to eighth graders’ study of atoms.
Children studied the Grade 3 moon
display at the Science Showcase to
answer such questions as: What phase
is the moon in on Rosh Hashana?
The Science Showcase was held in conjunction
with the annual grade 5 Science Fair (left),
in which each fifth grader used the six-step
scientific method to answer a question (What
is the impact of music on concentration?
How are plants affected by light?) in an
area of science of personal interest.
Rashi students learn science content through inquiry. They combine
their powers of observation with thoughtful predicting, experimental
design, and data representation and analysis to acquire a deep and
lasting understanding of science concepts.
Mishnah Comes to Rashi
It’s Pizza Thursday, and the group of middle schoolers
in the third floor classroom is anxiously awaiting the
arrival of pizza. While they wait, they are chanting the
words of ancient rabbis and discussing how and when
to read the Shema.
This is Mishnah at Rashi. The study of rabbinics, or Oral
Torah – the conversations of the rabbis over centuries
that have led to many of our current religious practices
– has not been a part of the Rashi curriculum. But this
year, Jewish Studies Director Rabbi Ellen Pildis and Jewish Program
Coordinator Dan Brosgol are bringing Mishnah to Rashi
on an elective basis.
“Both students and parents are enthusiastic about the program,”
noted Rabbi Ellen, “ and we are considering expanding it for next
year.” She and Dan gave a presentation on The Introduction of
Mishnah Teaching in a Reform Jewish Day School at a recent
Conference on Teaching Rabbinic Literature held at Brandeis.
Two groups of students –
Middle Schoolers and fourth graders – have been
meeting on a regular basis during lunchtime,
chanting mishnayot and pondering the rabbis’
opinions on topics such as preparing for Passover.
Exposure to rabbinics will particularly benefit those students who
plan to attend a Jewish high school, but Rabbi Ellen explains that
is it important for each child. “To think as a Jew,” she says, “means
incorporating thinking from our past into our modern ideas.”
6 On the Inside – Spring 2008/Nisan 5768