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Middle School Academy Brings Learning Alive

What happens when middle schoolers step away from textbooks and traditional schedules? At McDonogh, the answer is two weeks of bold experimentation, joyful discovery, and hands-on learning. During Middle School Academy, students dove into real-world challenges and creative pursuits—building bridges, arguing cases, writing music, and exploring local ecosystems. It was learning designed to spark curiosity and build the skills that make students Life Ready.

Here's a look into the dynamic experiences that unfolded:

STEM: Experimentation and Exploration

In AI Ambassadors, seventh and eighth graders took a deep dive into artificial intelligence, learning how models are trained and how to responsibly harness AI tools. Through engaging projects and public service videos, they became thoughtful tech leaders.

Down the hall, the CSI classroom mimicked a real-life crime scene investigation unit. Students analyzed fingerprints and examined clues to solve a fictional mystery.

In Stream Study, students literally got their feet wet while testing water quality and documenting the biodiversity of Gwynns Falls Watershed. Science came to life as students analyzed their findings through physical testing and reenactments.

Meanwhile, Hatchet students were busy pitching tents, starting fires, and preparing for an overnight camping experience on campus—applying real-world wilderness skills inspired by Gary Paulsen’s novel.

Humanities: Storytelling in All Its Forms

From fantasy epics to courtroom drama, the humanities courses were packed with stories waiting to be told. In Mock Trial, students stepped into the roles of lawyers, witnesses, and jurors. After studying courtroom procedures and visiting the Baltimore County Courthouse, they staged dramatic mock trials to showcase their understanding of justice and due process.

Writers in Tales Untold created entire worlds from scratch, building maps, drawing mythical creatures, and crafting original stories. Students in Myths, Monsters, and Mosaics brought Ancient Greece to life by writing their own myths and turning them into colorful mosaic artwork.

The Fake News class explored media literacy, interviewing members of the community, writing reports, and producing podcasts to strengthen their understanding of journalism in the digital age.

The Arts: Lights, Camera, Creation!

If you heard music drifting through the halls of Keelty, chances are it was M&M Songwriting Productions, where students collaborated to write, record, and engineer original songs—culminating in a performance at Roots Farm and an album shared with the community.

Broadway Stars Academy students took center stage as they rehearsed and performed a condensed Broadway musical. With help from visiting professionals and a behind-the-scenes tour of a local theater, these performers brought stories to life with talent and heart.

In Magic Motion, Lego bricks, clay, and other objects came to life as students created stop-motion animations—designing characters, recording voice-overs, and learning how to tell stories frame by frame.

Photography took center stage in In Focus, where students learned to capture moments through composition and light, ultimately curating their own gallery of digital images.

And in Games Galore and Escape Room, students became designers and architects of fun—creating board games and immersive experiences for peers and parents alike.

Building, Bridging, and Big Ideas

Problem-solvers in Building Bridges interviewed campus “clients,” brainstormed engineering solutions, and tested their designs in popsicle-stick prototypes. Budding entrepreneurs in Shark Tank 101 dreamed up electronic toys, developed branding strategies, and pitched their creations to a panel of "sharks."

In The Nook, students combined craftsmanship and community service, building Little Free Libraries and curating book collections designed to spark a love of reading beyond campus.

And in Spy School, students cracked codes, studied espionage history, and completed covert missions—all while developing real-world cyber-awareness.

Academy culminated in a high-energy showcase, where students proudly presented their work. From bridge builders to mock trial lawyers, songwriters to stream scientists, Middle School Academy offered students the chance to explore new passions, strengthen their voices, and collaborate across grades. As the school year came to a close, middle schoolers ended not with a wind-down, but with a celebration of curiosity, creativity, and courage.