October 31, 2019
Physics 9 represents a change to the science curriculum starting in the 2019-2020 school year at MPA. For the first time, ninth graders are taking physics, and this adjustment to the science sequence at MPA allows for a variety of electives in the twelfth-grade year.
“By moving physics to the ninth grade, we are creating a foundational science course for all ninth graders that will introduce them to both the essential principles of physics and the core skills need for success in Upper School science courses,” says Hannah Sullivan, Upper School science teacher. “We’ve moved many of the core skills formally developed in the ninth grade science and engineering course to this new ninth grade course, while at the same time covering the topics typically covered in a high school physics course with a conceptual approach geared to the ninth graders.”
Physics 9 is experimentally based and introduces students to the principles of physics that make up our everyday experiences. Students discover some of the ways the physical world operates, as well as investigate motion, forces, energy, waves, optics, and electricity. Engineering and problem-solving principles are incorporated through several project-based design challenges. The egg drop project is one of the challenges that students undertake as part of the course. Students design a device under specified weight and volume that would protect an egg in fall from 11 meters. This was related to their unit studying Falling Objects, Newton’s Laws, Force, Impulse, and Momentum. Read More
by Neelu Boddipalli, MPA Parent and Trustee
With a mission to empower communities to engage in climate change solutions and a vision for “a world of resilient communities with equitable solutions to climate change,” Climate Generation: A Will Steger Legacy is providing youth with an opportunity to stand up for a cause they feel passionate about. Among the first generation to experience effects of climate change are MPA seniors Jordan Akers and Meera Dear, who seized this opportunity as a chance to use their voices and lead for their own generation and those to come. The two attended Climate Generation’s Youth Climate Kickoff at Roosevelt High School, joining other local youth and leaders for a day of learning, making new connections, problem-solving, and growth.
by Jenn Milam, Ph.D., Middle School director
Culture Day at MPA was made possible with help from our wonderful faculty, staff, parent, and student volunteers and participants. We are incredibly lucky to have such an amazing community at MPA! On behalf of the Parents Association, thank you to everyone who was involved.
On Wednesday, November 6 at 9:45 AM, MPA will test its Emergency Alert System. MPA uses this system throughout the year to alert families of school closures and, in rare cases, emergencies on campus. You should receive an email, a phone call, and a text message at the time of the test, provided MPA has the most current contact information for you in the database.
Bring A Friend Day is a fantastic way for those outside our immediate community to experience firsthand who we are and what it is like to be student at Mounds Park Academy! Has a friend or co-worker ever asked, “What is MPA really like?” On Friday, November 15, we are inviting students in grades one through nine to bring a friend to MPA for a special day of learning and fun!
By Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
Both the MPA Boys Varsity and Junior Varsity Teams had new coaches this year. Coach Denver Johnson coached Varsity and Coach Phillip Neblich coached JV. Varsity ended their season with six wins and 10 losses, while JV had seven wins and just two losses.