8th Grade Annual Graduation Trip: Exploring Florida

This past week the 8th grade class embarked on their annual graduation trip. This year the group spent the week exploring and experiencing our amazing state of Florida. The class set off to Saint Augustine to learn about the history of the first colony in the continental United States and our oldest city. The students stepped back in time as they explored historic Saint Augustine and experienced how the city grew from the early days of Spanish colonization to today. Their next adventure took them to Ocala where they spent the day immersed in Florida's natural beauty at The Canyons Adventure Park. The students learned how this area was a quarry for mining phosphates for over a century. The quarry was mined until an aquifer was reached and the lakes were formed. The students had the opportunity to zip-line, hike, and cross over rope bridges while exploring these amazing mountains. On Wednesday, the group had an amazing day at Universal Studios. The class spent the morning at Rip Ride Rollercoaster STEM workshop. Students got a behind-the-scenes look at how the theme park developed the rollercoaster by activating their prior knowledge of potential and kinetic energy. The students learned why it is important for design engineers to understand the law of conservation energy when designing roller coasters. The workshop ended with VIP access to the Rip Ride Rollercoaster for a thrilling end to their lab. That evening the students had a special learning discussion with Rabbi Rabovsky on Lag Ba'Omer. Our group sat around a fire pit, learned about the special day, roasted marshmallows for s'mores, and sang joyful songs. It was a true bonding experience for the group. Their final day was spent having a blast at Universal's Islands of Adventure! The students spent the day exploring the theme park and hanging out with their younger classmates who traveled up to Orlando for their Lag Ba'Omer end-of-year trip! Both 6th and 7th grade spent the day in Universal Theme Parks enjoying the rides and shows.