Experiential Learning

two middle schoolers sqautting in hyla woods running a water test and recording results
two middle schoolers working in woodshop facing the camera using hand tools
group of middle schoolers in costume performing a theater production
Middle School students planting seeds during a community service trip
two seated middle schoolers practice suturing with standing parent volunteer during medical day

Hands-on learning is a key component of the Middle School program at Catlin Gabel in every grade and area of study, with the goal of building critical thinking skills, effective communication, and community connections.

Within each grade there are unique academic opportunities and class trips that support specific teaching and learning goals. The destination might not be the same each year, but these experiences often become a much-remembered highlight for students.

Trips and Activities in 6th Grade

  • Off-campus trips to local institutions, such as the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. 
  • Oregon Coast Trip: Students build community while studying tides, moons, and planets. Activities also emphasize the Outdoor Education principles of stewardship, expedition behavior, and leadership.

Trips and Activities in 7th Grade

  • Hyla Woods: A collaboration between English and Science classes that brings students to a local forest to engage in field study and writing. 
  • Mt. St. Helens: A class trip to study the effects of the eruption on the landscape.

Trips and Activities in 8th Grade

  • Oregon Museum & Center for Holocaust and the Oregon Holocaust Memorial: Visits complement coursework on the Holocaust taught in English and Social Studies. 
  • Medical Day: Hospital personnel bring surgical equipment and materials so students can get hands-on practice using medical techniques.
  • Global Trip: Students can typically choose from three options for international travel and immersion. 

Breakaway

Breakaway is a four-day, cross-grade learning experience that involves students and teachers “breaking away” from their conventional schedule. 

Courses are created with students’ interests in mind. In addition to learning new content, students may work on developing physical, collaborative, cross-cultural, and communication skills.

Recent Breakaway opportunities have included Sailing Club, Wild in the City (a study of wildlife), Cooking, PDX Outdoors (rafting and ziplining), Roller Skating, the Science of Relaxation, and Sports & Wellness.

Learning Through Discovery: Middle School Science