Science Department Update
Middle School and High School
7th Grade Science
This year the 7th grade science students were invited to participate in a special hands-on learning opportunity with Lee County Conservation in early October. In association with Climax Molybdenum, Lee County Conservation invited the students out to the Mississippi River to learn about mussel environments. The 7th graders spent the entire school day moving through a series of four stations involving mussel ecology.
One station students participated in was canoeing out onto the river to discuss mussel habitats in the Mississippi. Lee County Conservation and Climax Molybdenum also provided waders for students to wear in order to collect mussels directly from the river in another station. Students were able to bring them to shore so the different species could be identified. The third station involved collecting other organisms found in the same water environments, since different populations are indicators of water quality. Lastly, students performed water quality tests looking at pH, water clarity, and nitrate levels, among other things.
Overall, the 7th graders loved the day spent with Lee County Conservation and Climax Molybdenum. The hands-on approach involving our 7th grade ecosystem standards was a perfect way to gain knowledge and real world experience. We look forward to continuing this field trip with future 7th grade groups!
Chemistry
Chemistry class has been working hard applying knowledge about atoms and how they react with one another to observations that can be seen and in lab.
Physics
Physics spent an afternoon in the cold learning about the structure of old barns and how it relates to forces taught in class. They also presented what they learned at the Lee County Conservation Board meeting.
Physical science has been learning about the periodic table and how different families have different characteristics.
Biology
Biology is currently studying Genetics and the Cell Cycle. These students recently played the Cell Cycle Game to learn about how cells go through the steps of cell division (Mitosis) and how sometimes there can be errors that lead to mutations such as cancer.
CLHS Local Science Fair
Students presented at the CLHS Local Science Fair on February 6, 2022.
Pictured: Emily Barnhardt, Mercedes Kirchner, Alivia Cook, Keating Fuger, Jacob Hohl, Paisley Grafton, Lara Canida, Giavanni Stewart and Sidney Gruntmeir
Dates for 2021-2022 Science Events
Feb. 26 Culver-Stockton Science Fair in Canton, MO
March 7 & 8 University of Iowa’s Junior Science and Humanities Symposium- Iowa City, Iowa
March 10 Superconference Science Fair – SCC -Burlington, IA March 19 Eastern Iowa Science & Engineering Fair – Cedar Rapids, IA
March 24 & 25 State Science & Technology Fair of Iowa - Ames, IA
April Iowa Academy of Science Poster Presentations
May 6 Science Banquet – End of the Year Celebration
May 8-14 International Science and Engineering Fair - Atlanta, GA