Middle School News 3/8/10

Getty Villa Field Trip
While the world waits eagerly for the athletic perfection sure to demonstrated in the upcoming Winter Olympics, Bridges Middle School students traveled to the Getty Villa in Malibu to study first hand the importance of physical beauty in the Greek world.  An exact replica of a villa destroyed in 79 A.D. when Pompeii was covered by volcanic ash, the Getty Villa in Malibu showcases over 1200 Greek, Roman and Etruscan artifacts dating from 6500 B.C. to A.D. 600 selected from the Museum's collection of 44,000 items. Students explored the Getty using a scavenger hunt that highlighted such artifacts as the Enthroned Zeus (100 BC) and the Hall of Heroes. They also compared MS Girlsthe Roman Basilica at the Getty to the First Congregational Church architecture, a Los angeles landmark they toured in December with an eye toward this trip to the Getty.  A highlight of the day was sketching in the Outer Peristyle Garden with Art faculty Connie Condos.  Students ended the day at the Veranda Café, enjoying warm sunshine, snacks—and a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean.

8th Graders Tour Los Angeles Eco-Conference
When the 8th graders began their study of the science behind sustainable resources, they took an information gathering trip on Friday, January 22 to the 2010 Los Angeles Eco Conference.  Students started the day by figuring out how to use public transportation to get them to the L.A. Convention Center. Once there, they explored the 200 Exhibits, the Green Marketplace, demonstrations & hands on activities.  Back on campus, they are using what they learned to study ways to reduce resource consumption.  They will use their research in formal May presentations.

Spring 2010 Enrichment Clusters and Advisory Resume
Bridges Middle School resumed Enrichment Clusters (ECs) on Wed., February 10.  On six Wednesdays during the Spring term, students will work in the Enrichment Cluster of their choice.  Here is an EC snapshot:

  • Drama students are preparing for upcoming productions
  • Set Design students are learning to use tools and creativity to design and build sets for the upcoming Middle and High School shows
  • Medieval times students will study manuscripts and lore culminating in a trip to the Renaissance Faire in Inglewood in late April
  • CSUN Archives and Photography students will explore the largest collection of African-American photojournal archives in the world located at CSUN.
  • Game Theory students will explore game theory through discussion and game playing. 

The other half of EC days will be spent in Advisory studying issues related to health and hygiene and team building skills.