Chrysalis School

Project Based Learning in Geometry

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One of our newer Chrysalis Students, loves building things. In his Geometry class he is studying three-dimensional objects made of polygonal faces. Instead of just reading about these shapes, our student set out to build his own, to truly experience it. There are only eighteen possible convex shaped where every face is a regular polygon.  The shape he built, a rhombicosidodecahedron, consists of twenty squares (rhombuses) and twenty triangles arrayed in an dodecahedral shape with twelve pentagons arrayed in an icosahedral shape. Who said geometry couldn’t be fun?

Rhombicosidodecahedron    Geometry

Photosynthesis Biology Lab

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In this lab, students are looking at photosynthesis, which is the process plants use to create their own food.  This is often considered the most important chemical reaction on the planet, because plants are the base of the food chain; even carnivores couldn’t survive without plants because they eat animals that ate plants.  However, photosynthesis is a really complex reaction that takes place in multiple steps, and it is something that you can’t usually see happen.

We wanted to see it happen!  What we did was use syringes to create a vacuum that forced the gases out of spinach leaves.  This made them sink instead of float like they normally do.  We then put them in a solution of baking soda and water and used lamps as a source of light energy, like the sun.  The baking soda provides carbon dioxide.  Plants need light energy, carbon dioxide, and water to make glucose (food).   As plants do photosynthesis, they bring carbon dioxide gas into their cells and they release oxygen gas.  This gas production makes them float again.  So as they move from sinking to floating, you can literally watch them do photosynthesis!

Advanced Biology: BioExpo!

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We are excited to announce that this year, our Advanced Biology students are participating in a citywide program called BioExpo! This is a unique, hands-on opportunity for students to apply their science coursework and be mentored by a real-world expert. In this yearlong program, students choose a field of interest and contact a corresponding science professional to coach and instruct them for a final project. A few of the chosen mentors have included: Physical Therapists, Cancer Researchers, Sports Medicine Doctors, and PHD professors. One student has been invited to sit in on her professor’s college class, and another has received an ongoing hospital position, shadowing her mentor and gaining hands-on experience. These professional relationship builds great connections for the students and opens doors for future jobs.

Throughout this process students learn life skills such as; writing professional emails, practicing interviewing, time management, and organization. Students utilize OpenCourseWare from MIT’s Introduction to Biology throughout the program giving them a glimpse into the college class experience.

This Advanced Biology takes classroom learning to the next level.  Check back in as we continue to follow our students progress.

Science Center Field Trip

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There’s nothing more exciting than seeing a butterfly break free from its Chrysalis and emerge into the world! On Friday, our South Campus students experienced this phenomenon first-hand on their monthly field trip at the Pacific Science Center. Our students enjoyed the day exploring new concepts, participating in exhibits and experiments while expanding their knowledge. The invigorating day came to an end by laying under the stars in the planetarium, watching the lights illuminate the skies and sharing observations from the day’s events.

Curriculum Night With a Twist

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Our second annual Foreign Language Curriculum Night was filled with cultural crafts, ethnic music and of course– delicious food made by our students! Guests were transported around the world with authentic cuisines and a *taste* of students’ studies. Posters and projects lined the walls, highlighting different countries and their cultures. Our host teachers tested student and parent knowledge on international topics with a game of “Who Wants to be an International Millionaire.”  We were also serenaded by two of our students playing music inspired by a foreign language.  The festivities ended viewing a fun and informative Japanese video demonstrating how to make origami. This night provided a little “spice” and lifted our spirits from the mid-autumn humdrums!

Our Campuses

Chrysalis High School and Middle School
15900 Woodinville-Redmond Rd NE
Woodinville, WA p: (425) 481-2228

Chrysalis Elementary Campus
17005 140th Ave NE
Woodinville, WA p: (425) 481-2228

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