Most students throughout the day take classes such as math, English, Spanish, or art classes. They are expected to take notes during lectures, take quizzes and study for tests.

The Earth Systems Science Research class offered at Middletown High School is different.

“It is like a college class, we do our own research,” MHS junior Mackensie Smith said.

Students in the class learn about the different spheres then “correlate their research,” into projects which they presented to the class.

ESSR is a class different than the core classes offered at MHS. It is new this year and is only offered at five schools in Md.

The class “sectioned off different spheres” and did research projects on them.

Caleb Abel, junior at MHS, said the class had “some projects with guidelines, some projects without guidelines.”

ESSR just finished its first semester at MHS.

Students like MHS senior Ariel Ford didn’t know what to expect but took it because “I find space interesting and Ms. Chestnutt is one of my favorite teachers.”

Students in the class learn not only about Earth systems, but they are walking away with valuable skills for college and everyday life.

“ESSR helped me learn better research skills,” said MHS junior Alexis Ramsey.

Abel said, “It helped my presenting skills.”

Each student had a final research project in which they related two spheres to each other; they then presented it to the class. This makes it like “a college class,” said Smith.

The class also included a field trip to NASA where students were able to tour the facility.

Eileen Chestnutt, science teacher at MHS, said, “Mr. (Dan) Burr helped put the word out to students.” Students then “expressed interest in the class and promoted it.” She then took the necessary steps to turn ESSR into a class at MHS.

Chestnutt said, “It’s a lot of fun, it’s unique. It’s a different format, and we get to go to NASA.”