Challenging Young Minds at Green Chimneys School

Talent Show with a Therapeutic Twist

February 20, 2020

Which foods are most susceptible to mold? What structure has the greatest stability? How does a fog chiller work?

These are just a few of the questions answered by young scientists at Green Chimneys School’s Clearpool Campus Science Fair. Curious middle schoolers selected a wide range of experiments to explain – and sometimes disprove – the how and why of everyday products and scientific processes.

Green Chimneys Challenges Young Minds at Clearpool Science Fair

Students tested hypotheses through trial and error and reported on carefully measured results. Project foci included:

studying the growth of crystals

building a means for safe egg transport

getting battery power from a lemon

Even the experiments that didn’t bring predicted results became a valuable learning experience, allowing students to analyze the process and what caused the outcome.

The month-long projects were part of the inquiry-based science curriculum at Green Chimneys School where age-appropriate lab experiments are incorporated into all science classes. Middle school grades 4-8 use Green Chimneys’ environmentally-rich campus to investigate all living things, both plant and animal, as they become familiar with the scientific method. Students are also encouraged to explore the physical sciences as they discover the characteristics, properties and chemical composition of all forms of matter.

A Student’s Right of Passage, but Sweeter

Green Chimneys School is designed for students who have been unsuccessful in a traditional educational setting and who require a highly structured and supportive program. The therapeutic program incorporates academic, behavioral and emotional support in an enriched school setting. Experiential learning is a core component of an array of innovative programming, including life skills, music and art, animal-assisted activities, and outdoor education.

Completing an in-depth project and presenting it is an especially sweet accomplishment for many of our students. We are so proud of the growth they are achieving as young scientists and as young people.

Mac

Crabapple Hollow Macintosh, “Mac” for short, is a 13-year-old Clydesdale gelding (male) with striking white markings and long, white hair on his legs called “feathers.” Clydesdales originated in Scotland as one of the smaller draft breeds, but have been bred to be taller to look more impressive in parades & shows. Mac is well known on campus for being the biggest horse at the barn, as he stands around 17 hands high and weighs close to 1,200 pounds! But don’t let his size fool you – Mac is a gentle giant, and is great at his job as a therapy horse, helping students gain important skills in riding & driving sessions.