6th Grade: Inside Out and UGA Marine Center
In 6th grade, our primary focus in the fall is to establish our new group of students with their TLC family. Within the first month of school, we take students off campus, typically to the site of Camp Tekoa, for a team-building and collaboration field study with Inside Out, Inc. Students learn about community and problem-solving in real life scenarios while they support each other through the zip line, use communication and team-work to build a working raft, and participate in a "blind hike." By the end of these three days, students have firm foundation on which to build their first year together.
In the spring, our 6th grade group travels to Savannah, GA for a science-based field study. Our main educational partner is the University of Georgia Marine Center and Aquarium. There, our students participate in a squid dissection, classify marine life on a shrimp boat trawling adventure, tour the aquarium, collect samples and complete an invertebrates lab, and learn about ecology and the environment. With our remaining time, we take a historical walking tour of beautiful downtown Savannah and witness amazing views while dancing the night away on a sunset cruise off of River Street. A fitting end to a first year of learning together, this field study allows students to use the skills they've learned during the year, and to celebrate their successes.
Day trips may include a visit to the Columbia Museum of Art, with a focus on Renaissance content through Social Studies.
In the spring, our 6th grade group travels to Savannah, GA for a science-based field study. Our main educational partner is the University of Georgia Marine Center and Aquarium. There, our students participate in a squid dissection, classify marine life on a shrimp boat trawling adventure, tour the aquarium, collect samples and complete an invertebrates lab, and learn about ecology and the environment. With our remaining time, we take a historical walking tour of beautiful downtown Savannah and witness amazing views while dancing the night away on a sunset cruise off of River Street. A fitting end to a first year of learning together, this field study allows students to use the skills they've learned during the year, and to celebrate their successes.
Day trips may include a visit to the Columbia Museum of Art, with a focus on Renaissance content through Social Studies.
7th Grade: Walt Disney World
Our 7th grade team participates in the Disney Youth Education Series in the winter. Disney Youth Education Series programs take place in the information-rich setting of the Disney Parks to give students –and their teachers– a hands-on, educational adventure. This collection of guided field studies is accredited, standards-based and designed to reinforce classroom lessons. Students practice teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving skills using the magic of Disney to make learning even more impactful. Guided by a Disney Y.E.S. facilitator, students investigate sound and how it is produced and how it travels. Select attractions showcase how sound can alter our sense of reality and transport us from one world to another, Disney-style! We put it all together to discover how Walt Disney Imagineers applied the principles of light and sound to create an immersive story experience.
Day trips will include a visit with Greenwood Genetics bus and Congaree National Park. The Genetics Bus brings modern genetics to TLC. Students will be conducting an investigation related to mad cow disease and determine if the feed companies were in violation of FDA rules. Students visit Congaree National Park as part of our yearlong study of ecology and GIS. Students collect data on organisms, including invasive species, and use that data to create GIS models and narratives to teach others about the Congaree ecosystem.
Day trips will include a visit with Greenwood Genetics bus and Congaree National Park. The Genetics Bus brings modern genetics to TLC. Students will be conducting an investigation related to mad cow disease and determine if the feed companies were in violation of FDA rules. Students visit Congaree National Park as part of our yearlong study of ecology and GIS. Students collect data on organisms, including invasive species, and use that data to create GIS models and narratives to teach others about the Congaree ecosystem.
8th Grade: Washington, D.C.
8th graders take a week-long trip to Washington, D.C., with a focus on American history and government. Highlights of this trip include a stop at Mount Vernon, a show at Ford's Theater, the Smithsonian Natural History and Air & Space Museums, and a tour of the Capitol.