Session 3: Year 7, WeeK 15 In Review
From Field Studies to Food Studies: Empowering Learners Through Action
Check out this week’s updates…
spark studio
As the sun rose above the horizon, casting a warm glow over the courtyard, a group of tiny bugs gathered for their first-ever Friendsgiving Rise and Shine Bugfast celebration. Led by Benny the beetle, they scoured the lush grass for the finest scraps: dewdrops glistening like diamonds, a crumb of pumpkin pie left behind by a careless picnic-goer, and fragrant herbs to enhance their feast. Each bug brought its unique flavor—Zara the firefly lighting the scene with her gentle glow, while Larry the ladybug shared stories of adventure. As they feasted and laughed together, the bugs discovered that even the smallest creatures could create a bond as warm and bright as any human gathering.
Join us on Thursday, November 21st, from 8:30 to 9:45 AM, for a Friendsgiving Rise and Shine Bugfast celebration.
Please sign up using this link to participate and bring your favorite Bugfast item:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0C45A4A62CAAF49-53003527-spark
With all the anticipation around BugFest, we’ve brought in our very own expert, Chris Owstrowski, to share his wealth of knowledge about Phasmatodea, or stick insects—including the impressive Pulchriphyllium giganteum, known as “The Great Thin,” and the stunning Black Beauty, among others! To make the experience even more special, Spark Studio has taken on the care of these amazing creatures, which will be on exhibit for just a few more days.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to meet your very first Black Beauty!
lower elementary studio
Wow! Lower Elementary is still recovering from all the fun we had on our first overnight Marine Biology Field Trip and the exciting adventures Ms. Amber planned for those who stayed behind! We learned so much about marine animals, their environments, threats, and conservation both here and during the field trip. We can’t wait to see you all at our next Exhibition this Tuesday!
In other news, learners have been working hard creating beautiful papier-mâché art with Ms. Hannah and playing team games with our awesome PE Guides. In Story Arts, learners are transforming their words by adding a beat and making music in fun and exciting ways.
In Civilization, we are exploring the early advances of humanity, including tools, trade, and the development of communities around these innovations. Additionally, we are working on the first three of the seven habits: learning how to be proactive, begin with the end in mind, and keep first things first.
We are challenging ourselves and discovering that success doesn’t always come first or easily. However, as we persevere, we are building the skills and resilience we need to learn, understand, and grow!
upper elementary studio
This week, our learners embarked on an unforgettable journey to the Jekyll Island 4-H Center for our Marine Biology Field Study! This field study offered a unique, hands-on opportunity to explore diverse coastal ecosystems and deepen their understanding of marine conservation.
Throughout the trip, learners experienced a variety of ecosystems and habitats. They wandered along the beach, uncovering fascinating seashells and observing bird species that depend on these sandy shores. At the saltwater marsh, they got their boots muddy while investigating the unique plant and animal life that thrives in this essential coastal habitat. They also explored sloughs, which act as lifelines for many species, and visited a brackish inlet where freshwater meets the ocean. This blend of fresh and saltwater created a fascinating environment for learners to observe organisms that can adapt to both types of habitats.
In herpetology, learners got up close and personal with some scaly friends, observing reptiles native to Georgia's coast and learning about their adaptations and roles in the ecosystem. These hands-on activities sparked many curious questions, and learners were thrilled to interact with these creatures under the guidance of the 4-H Center’s skilled educators.
Throughout our explorations, we also discussed the biggest challenges facing marine life today—pollution, climate change, overfishing, and habitat loss. Learners saw firsthand how plastic and other pollutants impact marine environments and discovered how scientists and conservationists are working to protect these ecosystems. Each learner gained a personal understanding of why conservation efforts are essential to sustaining our oceans.
These enriching experiences have prepared our learners for their upcoming Exhibition on Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 5–6 PM, where they will share their knowledge, conservation plans, and ideas for protecting marine life. We look forward to showcasing the passion and insight they’ve developed throughout this marine biology quest!
A huge thank you to all the parent chaperones who joined us on this trip! Your support and dedication made this adventure possible, and we couldn’t have done it without you.
middle school studio
This week, our learners took exciting steps as environmental advocates, scientists, and storytellers, engaging in hands-on projects that brought their studies to life in meaningful ways.
In Quest, our learners dove into the world of environmental activism by creating Public Service Announcements focused on improving the quality of Georgia’s waterways. They researched the current state of water quality, developed creative and impactful messages, and designed t-shirts, posters, audio ads, and more to inspire positive environmental change within our communities.
In Civilization, learners incorporated science into their studies by using microscopes to examine pottery. This activity provided a unique lens into ancient techniques, revealing materials and details that told stories about past human interactions with the natural world. The microscopy work connected history with science, offering insights into the artifacts they studied and fostering a deeper understanding of conservation practices.
Our Story Arts time was brimming with creativity as our illustrators shared their Anime artworks, presenting 3–8 images that captured the essence of their stories. Meanwhile, our Anime writers submitted their 500–3,000 word drafts to Writable, laying the groundwork for valuable self, peer, and external feedback. This collaborative exchange allowed learners to gain fresh perspectives, refine their creative ideas, and enhance their narrative skills.
The week culminated in a special event in Quest, where learners presented their water quality improvement proposals for Panola State Park to experts from the park over Zoom. They received professional feedback on their plans, helping them refine their ideas and consider real-world applications of their projects. This experience offered an invaluable glimpse into environmental consulting and planning, preparing them for future opportunities to be agents of change.
As a reminder, next Wednesday at 4:30 PM is our Exhibition! We are thrilled to showcase the growth and skills our learners have developed in their roles as environmental consultants this session. We look forward to celebrating their hard work and achievements with all of you.
high school studio
This week has been packed with excitement and learning! We kicked things off with a fun cooking challenge in Quest, where our heroes faced a unique task: creating dishes using random ingredients purchased by the guides. It was a great test of creativity and teamwork, all building up to our upcoming Exhibition, which promises to be a treat for the audience!
In Story Arts, we dove into the world of branding, focusing on how social media platforms are used to build a brand’s identity and reach. Our heroes are beginning to understand the power of digital storytelling and how it connects with audiences.
In Civilization, we explored the fascinating differences between the world’s food culture and the U.S. food landscape. We discussed everything from preservatives and additives to the traditional flavors that shape cultures across the globe. These conversations sparked curiosity and new perspectives on what we eat every day.
Conference week has officially wrapped up and was a great success! For those who couldn’t attend, please keep an eye out for an email from the guides with updates on your hero’s progress.
We hope you all have a restful weekend and look forward to another exciting week ahead!