Fox Lane Middle School Students Explore the Solar System

“If you ever had the opportunity to go to Mars, would you? Why or why not?” Fox Lane Middle School Assistant Principal Amanda Gerber asked after sixth grader Jonny Miranda finished his presentation on the planet. The question was an easy one for Jonny.

“Yes, I would want to see the volcanoes!” he said.

After a lot of research and preparation, Jonny and his classmates in Diane Guarnieri’s class presented to their peers and a few special guests from the district. Each student presented on a specific planet, analyzed its unique characteristics and shared interesting facts.

“I can’t begin to explain the amount of work these students did,” Guarnieri said. “From researching to using technology and being able to come to the front of the room and present, they’ve come so far.”

Their preparation was obvious through details like arm movements and intonation. Guarnieri also encouraged them to adapt their presentations so that they could do them to the best of their ability. Students wore voice amplifiers so that if they were speaking softly, their peers could hear them. One student gave his presentation from his desk because he was more comfortable presenting without everyone looking at him. Another recorded a video of his presentation.

After each slideshow, the audience was given a chance to ask students questions about their chosen planets.

Principal Mary Harrison asked Diana Marin, who presented on Earth, whether she’d pick the arctic or the desert if she had to stay in one for a week.

“The arctic,” Diana said with confidence. “The desert is too hot and sweaty.”

When seventh grader Giovanni Waters was asked about the seasons on Saturn, he was thrilled to respond.

“That’s a good question!” he said. “They’re the same as Earth! Spring, summer, fall and winter.”

When all of the presentations were complete, students and staff were able to wander around the classroom looking at some of the displays and asking additional questions.

Jonny talked about how much he liked to learn about movement and gravity on Mars, while Christopher Torres enjoyed learning more about the Artemis mission while researching Earth.

Staff were so impressed by the work students had done.

“I can tell that you practiced because there were all of these big words that you confidently said,” occupational therapist Kristin Messina told one student.

Guarnieri was beaming with pride when the presentations were over.

“You all did such a great job,” she said. “I’m so proud of you.”