Here are some highlights from the last few weeks of the fall term—November 3 through November 21—in the Upper School.
🔍 CSI Beaver: Students in Forensic Science hosted Middle School students from Science 7 for an immersive crime scene investigation. After staging a fake crime scene, arranging props, and preparing a lab, US students walked their Middle School peers through the steps of crime scene processing. Students explored topics such as fingerprinting, blood typing, and testing for biological evidence–skills Forensic Science students have mastered throughout the term.
💭 Cohn Grant recipients share their work: At an Upper School meeting, 2025 Cohn Grant recipients Margo Kuznetsova ’27, Brody VanDernoot ’26, and Koko VanDernoot ’27 shared what they have been working on over the last year. Margo shared Eco-Sort, a device she designed and coded to help people determine what materials can be recycled. Brody and Koko screened their film Finding Hope, a documentary on Tommy’s Place that the duo produced and filmed.
🎭 Drama alert: Actors’ Showcase wrapped up the fall term with a performance in Black Box Theater. Students performed monologues and scenes that they have workshopped for weeks, demonstrating the technical skill and artistry the class helps develop.
🏈 Touchdown! The third annual BVR Bowl brought female-identifying juniors and seniors to the Upper Field for a celebratory game of flag football. Organized by student council, the event is a moment for US students to get a break from the finals, presentations, and performances that accompany the term’s final week. The class of 2026 secured the win, prolonging a three year-long streak of seniors emerging victorious.
🧬 Gene editing in action: Students in Advanced Biology: Molecular Research Techniques presented their findings related to gene editing. After visiting BioBuilder regularly throughout the term, students gained practical, hands-on lab experience exploring CRISPR gene editing techniques. Students presented their work on the Research Level to an audience of faculty, staff, and fellow students.
💡 Students rethink the justice system: In Theories of Punishment, students finished out the term by presenting their research projects centered around various aspects of the criminal justice system. Students drew upon their experiences throughout the term including a visit to MCI Norfolk, where they met with incarcerated individuals to hear their stories. Research topics included the impact of a lack of physical activity in prisons, racial disparities in the bail system, and the lasting impact of youth detention centers.
🇺🇳 BVR MUN wins big: Beaver’s Model UN team won “Best Small Delegation” at Boston Latin School MUN, continuing a successful run at conferences all across Boston. The club is using one day conferences such as Boston Latin School MUN to prepare for more intensive conferences to come, such as DartMUN at Dartmouth. To read more about BVR MUN’s year so far, click here!
🛠️ Students engineer change: Throughout the fall term, students in Advanced Engineering met with residents at Hebrew SeniorLife. After developing relationships with their assigned residents and hearing about their needs, students got to work brainstorming, designing, and iterating products that could meet those needs. For their final presentations, students showcased their products and discussed the obstacles they faced throughout the engineering design process. Products included a cupholder designed to attach to wheelchairs and a custom puzzle mat.
🧂 Supporting athletes with SALT: To celebrate the end of the fall athletics season, the Student Athlete Leadership Team (or SALT) hosted a spirit week of events. Festivities such as a senior athlete gallery and a fan bus encouraged the Beaver community to rally behind athletes for their final games and matches of the season. To read more about SALT, click here!