Animals appear in electives such as Anatomy, Environmental Science, and on Green Team in the Second Semester. As the second semester courses and electives begin, animals remain intertwined with the science experience. The Science Department consistently strives to incorporate nuanced additions while remaining to stick to the curriculum. Mr. Arnold, Anatomy teacher, shares “We are always tweaking, and adding things and throwing things away, ever vigilant.”
Anatomy will continue its wide range of dissections including shark, cow’s eye, fresh lamb hearts and lungs with the addition of sheep brains. Working with certain organs and animals will allow students to fully grasp the human body more fully. Arnold, shared, “You learn about yourself. When stuff happens to you, the more you know, the calmer you are as a patient.”
Environmental Science will formulate a long term plan for rewilding sections of the exterior Northrup campus from the rain garden through the West side and reaching the Otis Courtyard. This semester’s goals for Environmental Science will also benefit the bees located outside in the hive near the science wing, as it will contribute to the pollinators. Mr. Bohrnsen, Environmental Science teacher, said, “[The students will focus] on how to make it a space that the entire Blake community can really enjoy and access, and immerse themselves in the urban ecological wild neighborhood.” They will work in collaboration with Advanced Printmaking as well as “landscape architects, experts on plant pollinators, and Native plant communities.”
An Environmental Science student and Green Team member, Maddy Florida ‘20, continues to pursue her love for animals in the second semester. The pets began with a betta fish for the Canfield Advisory but have since transitioned into housing two geckos in the Biology room. They have already sparked an interest in reptiles for the greater Upper school community. Maddy takes care of the geckos, and she will bring them home with her during longer breaks. She has hopes to expand the animal presence and caring taking team, as Maddy is the only current caretaker, in the Upper school: “I do want to, at some point, get a crew of freshman to take care of the geckos to learn more about them and to generate more interest.”
