CLASSES IN ACTION
Chemistry
Right before Passover Break, the Chemistry class finished the chapter on chemical reactions. They learned how to balance, classify, and simplify chemical equations. So we made challah as an example of chemical change! Each student made dough from scratch, kneaded it, and then braided the dough before putting it in the oven. We had a great time discussing the reactivity of different components of the dough and also how challah baking is such a spiritual aspect of Judaism that there is a blessing to be said when a certain amount of challah is made. The next day when the challah was baking, the aroma drifted through the halls and quite a few students and faculty helped the chemistry students enjoy the fruit of their labors. Bon appetit!
Courtney Sims

Mikra 11
Who is a real prophet? Who is a false prophet? How to recognize which message is just wishful thinking and which a legitimate will of God? Studying the clash between Jeremiah and Hananiah (Jer. Ch. 27-28) the students are becoming familiar not only with the political and religious make up of Judean society of the time, but also with the complexity of ancient Jewish beliefs. They compare Zion (God would never allow the destruction of Jerusalem) and Sinaic (all depends on keeping the covenant) theologies and analyze their origins and impact on political choices of Jews in the last years before the Destruction of the First Temple.
Rochel Czopnik

Mikra 10
Finally free! And what now? After studying and experiencing (during Pesach) the Jewish Exodus from Egypt, the students join the Israelites in their difficult road to the Promised Land. Anticipating and analyzing Israelites’ feelings, thoughts and behavior the students struggle to understand the reality of the Exodus.
Rochel Czopnik

Senior History Seminar
The Senior Essay requires that the student examines (in a thoughtful, disciplined, and rigorous way) one 20th century phenomenon, event, or individual. The paper should be 15-18 pages in length (plus extensive bibliography and formal cover page) and are submitted after eight months' preparation in May of the senior year (prior to the Israel trip). Topics have included: the history of the Federal Reserve in the 20th century; a look at the phenomenon of eating disorders; the rise of the Japanese war machine prior to World War II; how musicals reflected the popular zeitgeist at different points in the last century; the treatment of the mentally ill in the last century; fashion as a reflection of the role of women in society in the 20th century; the development of quantum physics; race relations; major movements in the visual arts of the last century; the 6-Day War and the Yom Kippur war; the writings of William Faulkner; the history of the Beatles; the siege of Leningrad; and many more.

Below is an excerpt from an email sent with a rough draft, "... Over the past week I have learned more about the Federal Reserve System and how it works then I ever thought I would understand. Doing this project really makes every article in the Wall Street Journal have a deeper meaning... The 32 pages and 10,001 words compose a summary that would make any reader more financially literate than 99% of Americans... Thanks so much"
Leslie Smith Rosen and Amy Fink

Netivim 9

After discussing the similarities of the Diaspora life in modern America and ancient Babylon, the students have a chance to ponder over another issue common to ancient and modern Jews – the influence of foreign culture on their own beliefs, traditions and culture. Students learn about Greek culture and Hellenism, the life under Greek influence and violent reaction to it – the Maccabee revolt. The students will analyze some examples of religious ritual established as a result of historic events.
Rochel Czopnik

Physics
Students recently completed their 2nd trimester projects. Using the energy of a mouse-trap, the students created self propelled race cars. This was a culmination of their study of linear and rotational motion including: torque, tension, momentum, and other phenomenon.

Currently, students are finishing their study of simple harmonic motion and pendulums with an art integration project with Morah Brandes. Paint is hung from the ceiling in ketchup bottles. It is gently swung over a large canvas and unique patterns emerge. Students learn that the periodic motion of the pendulums produces reliable patterns and that they can be manipulated. Shortening the strings produces a much smaller period and a small arc pattern. Lengthening the strings produces a wide arc and a longer period which also produces greater velocity near the center of the painting. Students will be following this study of physical waves with investigations in sound and light.
Dean Whitfield

Psychology
Deviant Day at Cardin! The purpose was for students to explore internal and external boundaries of social norms in a school setting without breaking the code of student conduct. Our students had an interesting day with their personal choices and gained insight to the concepts relating to the understanding of abnormal psychology. As students acted out their deviance during the school day, the hope was that they will generate empathy for those who must deal with abnormal disorders on a daily basis. Those who are coping with disorders cannot switch back to their normal persona at the end of a school day. Our psychology students made challenging choices and had great understanding of the goals of this simulation.
Bob Cantor

U.S. History Honors
Students were assigned to teach a section about life in the late 1800s to early 1900s. Topics such as immigration and urbanization were addressed through creative teaching methods. This period is especially significant to many members of the class because we talked about Jewish immigration, and they could then understand more about why their families came to America. The first group presented a skit about immigration, the second group presented a poem about urbanization (see below), and we look forward to seeing the last two groups present about the Gilded Age and Reform.
Amy Fink

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Wellness Day

Our first annual Wellness Day took place on Friday, April 9 and it was a great success. "I am having so much fun", said Amanda-Megan Levin, 10, during the activities which began with introductory presentations from Brain Sanderoff of Your Prescription for Health, Rabbi Elissa Sachs-Kohen of Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, and Diana Sugiuchi, of Nourish Nutrition Coaching.

Following the introductions, the students had an opportunity to learn about a variety of health-related topics in three 20-minute breakout sessions including: Emotional Eating and Stress Management, Skin Cancer Prevention, Body Image, Physical Training, Importance of Sleep, Alternative Medicine, and Healthy Lunch Options. "This is amazing and scary," said Emily Boling, '10, after viewing possible sun damage on her face under a special UV light while participating in the skin cancer prevention session. During lunch, the students were offered a delicious salad bar and guidance from a representative from the Vegetarian Resource Group.

COMMUNITY 
Beth El Congregation is offering the Cardin community a fabulous opportunity for some great Torah learning. Attached is a flyer for a lecture with Avivah Zornberg that will be held on Monday, May 10th at 8:00pm.

ALUMNI UPDATE
Laura Ungar, ’07, was inducted into the National Organization for Human Services Honor Society.
Avi Zaleon, ’08, is a staff writer for the Indiana Daily Student at Indiana University.

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