Grade 7 Students Design Their Own Species

From Middle School Science teacher Romnick Cajigal: Before Winter Break, our Grade 7 students brought part of the Middle School motto — Create and Explore — to life through the interdisciplinary "Create Your Own Species” project, developed in collaboration with Kristen Kullberg in the Alan Reese Design Lab. Drawing on their learning from the ecology unit, students designed original species that demonstrated a deep understanding of ecosystems, adaptations, energy flow, and interdependence. Each species was thoughtfully crafted to survive within a specific habitat, with students justifying physical traits, behaviors, adaptations, and ecological roles based on scientific principles.

The partnership with the Design Lab empowered students to move beyond theory and into authentic creation. Through sketching, prototyping, and refining their ideas, students explored how design thinking enhances scientific understanding. This project encouraged curiosity and creativity while allowing students to explore real-world ecological challenges and express their ideas in innovative ways. The result was a vibrant showcase of imagination grounded in science, reflecting our learners’ ability to create meaningfully and explore boldly.