Session 6: Year 6, WeeK 27 In Review
bees, music and practical prep
Check out this week’s updates…
spark studio
Daylight Saving Time threw us for a loop this week, sparking discussions in Spark about its pros and cons. Interestingly, we learned that Hawaii and Arizona are the only two states in the United States that choose not to observe this event. Lucky them! Nonetheless, the extra hour of daylight signifies the approaching spring and longer days ahead.
As spring emerged, our focus turned to nurturing our garden. From sowing seeds to transplanting seedlings, we eagerly anticipate our garden's growth, promising a season of fresh produce and vibrant flowers.
Meanwhile, our bee enthusiasts and environmentalists have been buzzing with excitement as they finalize the design for our bee hives. After careful consideration, a winning design was chosen, and production is underway in anticipation of our bees arriving in the next few days.
The excitement of March Madness also spilled into our Studio, with learners engaging in friendly competitions. Whether earning baskets for challenging work, exhibiting kindness, demonstrating good manners, or putting forth extra effort, the spirit of competition added an extra layer of excitement to our week.
As we soak in the increasing sunshine, it's crucial to remember sun protection. Applying sunscreen in the morning is essential to safeguard against harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and skin damage. Additionally, ensuring our children head to school with garden hats ensures they stay protected while enjoying outdoor activities.
As we bid farewell to another eventful week, let's carry forward the spirit of growth, community, and sun safety into the days ahead.
lower elementary studio
What a week it's been in Lower!
We have worked diligently on practicing reading for deep understanding and proving that understanding through writing book reports that allow heroes to work toward their D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read) badges.
In addition, the heroes worked with Clay Cook, a music producer and Forest School dad, to record radio advertisements for the games they are developing in Quest! The heroes conducted one of their final playtests for the games they have been developing in Quest and received feedback from middle school learners.
That's not all! If you are looking for something to discuss with your hero, then ask them about the state they created and presented to the studio earlier this week! The heroes have been learning about the basics of civilizations and working through challenges that help them answer questions like, "What is the best type of government?" and, "What makes a state a state? If you could create your state, what would it be like?" It has been a full week with many rich learning opportunities!
upper elementary studio
Happy Friday, Everyone! Our heroes have been hard at work, diving into Quests and diligently preparing for the upcoming exhibition. The anticipation is palpable as we eagerly await the chance to showcase "The Art and Science of Backyard Games" to parents and experts alike.
One exciting aspect of our Quest endeavors is the involvement of real youth recreation professionals as experts. These professionals will evaluate our heroes' game designs and incorporate them into their organization's repertoire. It's a thrilling opportunity for our learners to see their creations come to life in real-world settings, impacting the lives of others in meaningful ways.
As we approach the conclusion of this session, it's a pivotal moment for our heroes to reflect on their progress and set end-of-year goals. We encourage parents and guardians to take some time this weekend to engage in meaningful conversations with their heroes about their aspirations and ambitions for the remainder of the academic year.
Next week marks the onset of Practicals, with a specific focus on honing our math skills. The Mathlabs have been abuzz with activity, producing remarkable growth in our young mathematicians. Seeing them grasp complex mathematical concepts with such enthusiasm and dedication is truly inspiring.
The Practicals offer a unique opportunity for our heroes to showcase their mathematical prowess and express their understanding of various mathematical principles. We believe in providing platforms where their talents can shine and where they can demonstrate their mastery of the subject matter.
As we embark on this exciting journey, let's continue supporting and empowering our young heroes in their academic and personal pursuits.
middle school studio
This week, we gathered heroes and surprised them with two exciting announcements.
We’re going to the Coca-Cola Space Center for a field trip!
Colonel Fossum, a real live astronaut, created a challenge for us and will be our expert for the Exhibition!
As you can imagine, our minds are pretty much blown about that second one. We kicked off our first draft of work for our astronaut-given challenge to figure out how to stay on the moon longer than ever. The heroes will address the lack of water, extreme temperatures, radiation, food, and moon exploration. We are also progressing on our lunar base models, which will be an awesome second component to the Exhibition!
Preparations continue for the Gallery Walk for Civ, and the debates about outer space continue as well. We’re getting more and more comfortable receiving feedback from one another, which is helping us grow.
We’re also gearing up for Practicals Week next week, which will be packed with active and collaborative learning. On top of all that, we took our YouScience assessments this week to discover more about our aptitudes and college and career possibilities. We’re grooving as spring has arrived!
high school studio
“Debate, but do not argue. Challenge, but do not force your opinions. To win an argument but lose a friendship is a loss. To lose an argument but retain a friendship is gain.”
― Matshona Dhliwayo
This week was filled with enlightening experiences and pivotal learning moments for our Heroes. As the presidential candidate simulation continued, our aspiring leaders and their teams dove headfirst into creating compelling marketing videos, showcasing their visions for America, and campaigning to studios in hopes of securing votes from their peers. The passion and creativity displayed in these campaigns were truly inspiring. Heroes delved into the crucial topic of voting education. Understanding the process of obtaining voting ID cards and the significance of each step in casting a vote in America was eye-opening. Empowering our Heroes with this knowledge lays a strong foundation for them to become informed and engaged citizens.
Another highlight of the week was our exploration of individual interests through YOUScience. Heroes gained valuable insights into their strengths and career aptitudes, sparking discussions about college admission requirements for their top 3 schools and contemplating their top 3 career options. It was a week of self-discovery and forward-thinking as our heroes began to envision their paths beyond our academy walls. As parents and mentors, we encourage you to talk with your hero about their YOUScience results, explore the admission requirements of their dream schools together, and discuss their aspirations for the future. These conversations are instrumental in guiding our Heroes toward fulfilling their potential and achieving their goals.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates and growth-filled adventures next week!
Buckle up and prepare for an intense, thought-provoking Presidential debate on Tuesday, March 26th, where you will learn about their vision for the future! Join us in welcoming Bobby Jones, Sam Wakefield, and Ruth Malhotra, who will join us as experts for the Exhibition!
-Onward!