Simonsen students: Challenge to think can be fun

Simonsen Ninth Grade Center science students show their equations and how they drew those conclusions during Mike Hall's physics class. Katlyn Ottolini and Sarah Dumas hold the answers as teams tried to figure velocity given start and end points. Will Miller and Colton Henley, far right, wait their turns to explain their answers. Teachers have taken a hands-on approach to teaching the subject in an effort to make a better learning experience for the freshman students.
Simonsen Ninth Grade Center science students show their equations and how they drew those conclusions during Mike Hall's physics class. Katlyn Ottolini and Sarah Dumas hold the answers as teams tried to figure velocity given start and end points. Will Miller and Colton Henley, far right, wait their turns to explain their answers. Teachers have taken a hands-on approach to teaching the subject in an effort to make a better learning experience for the freshman students.

Students had the option of studying Physics First this year at Simonsen Ninth Grade Center in Jefferson City.

The new curriculum, which will replace Earth science for all freshmen next school year, has the potential to prepare students for the rest of their high school studies, as well as to be competitive in the world.

"It helps just knowing what's going on around you," said student Caroline Hall.