Newton’s First Law of Motion: An object at rest remains at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion at a constant speed and in a straight line unless acted on by an unbalanced force"

This property of resistance to change in motion is called INERTIA. In order to demonstrate inertia, students conducted an experiment using a jar, pennies, and an index card. The coin wants to remain at rest because it has inertia. If you try to slowly pull the card away, you can not overcome that force and the coin will remain on the card. If you pull the card away quickly, the coin will stay in one place for a split nanosecond before gravity takes over and the coin falls into the cup.

By Kandice Kimmel, Latin & History, 5-8th Grade

Project based learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex questions, problems or challenges.

To wrap up our world geography unit, our fifth and sixth grade students hosted an International Fair. They were each assigned a country to research, and designed a display, brought an international dish to sample, and presented for all of the students and teachers at St. James Day School. I am so incredibly proud of each and every one of these students!

By Kandice Kimmel, Latin & History, 5-8th Grade

In middle school we build study hall and elective classes into our students’ weekly schedule. The convenience of study hall allows students time at school to complete projects, ease the homework burden, as well as one on one time with their teachers if they are struggling to understand concepts or have questions.

Elective classes allow our middle school students to explore their interest, develop new skills, and broaden their perspectives beyond the core academic curriculum. The elective classes for the fall semester are science club, robotics, yearbook, book club, film study, and a life skills/cooking class.

Our Middle School students celebrated the month of August with teamwork while playing a fun trivia game. We also celebrated our first Student of the Month, Colt Jerry, during our celebration!

“Celebrate good times, Come on
Let’s celebrate
Celebrate good times, Come one
Let’s celebrate”

— Kool & The Gang

“Work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happen!” ~Conan O’Brian

Fifth grade is off to a great start for the 2024-2025 school year. As a “Back To School” activity in Science class, we played a game of “Who Am I?” Students had a card with a science word/topic written on the card and taped to their backs. Students could only ask each other “yes” or “no” questions to try to figure out “Who” they were.

Students practiced questioning, reasoning, and science knowledge skills all while playing a game!