Session 7: Year 6, WeeK 31 In Review
diving into music, science and history
Check out this week’s updates…
spark studio
This week was a vibrant fusion of music and art, showcasing a rich tapestry of creativity and cultural expression. Folk melodies filled the air, accompanied by demonstrations of traditional craftwork that rooted us in our heritage. Soulful rhythms and gospel harmonies uplifted our spirits, while the intricate beauty of stained glass art and metal sculptures mesmerized us with their depth and craftsmanship.
We immersed ourselves in the art of sculpting, molding clay into our unique creations. The week culminated in a burst of color and camaraderie as we tie-dyed shirts, each a unique reflection of our creativity. Expert visitors shared their passion, enriching our experience and deepening our appreciation for the arts, leaving us with memories of a week filled with music, art, and the joy of creative expression.
lower elementary studio
This week was a whirlwind of excitement as our heroes delved into the fascinating world of physics during Quest! They embarked on an exhilarating journey into the biomechanics of the upper body, crafting intricate hand models to unravel the mysteries of tendons, joints, and muscles. But that's not all – they plunged into the realm of elbows, discovering their own lever and pulley systems through mesmerizing model-making activities. And what better way to cap off their physics odyssey than with a thrilling basketball shooting challenge? With hearts pounding and adrenaline pumping, our heroes put their newfound knowledge to the test, mastering the art of shooting with precision using only their wrists. It was a slam dunk of a lesson that excited everyone breathless!
Meanwhile, in Civilization, the echoes of history reverberated as our heroes returned to the tumultuous era of the American Revolution. With spirits ablaze, they learned about the fiery conflict between American Colonists and British soldiers, donning the iconic blue and red coats for a revolutionary relay race with hearts racing and cheers ringing through the air. But the real drama unfolded as they delved deeper into the legendary Boston Tea Party, immersing themselves in the gripping tale of colonists' defiance against oppressive British laws. In a daring reenactment, our heroes took on the roles of red coats and blue coats, breathlessly navigating the courtyard to uncover hidden tea and recreate the historical moment of rebellion. It was a week filled with intrigue, excitement, and a newfound appreciation for the heroes of the American Revolution.
In Story Arts, our budding FNN newscasters took the stage as meteorologists, delivering pulse-pounding live weather reports that kept us on the edge of our seats (Let's just say there were some tricky weather predictions, so no need to put away those winter clothes just yet). And with a quick pivot to sports reporting, they tackled the exhilarating world of sports journalism, uncovering the secrets to captivating storytelling in the world of athletics.
As we enter full stride in Session 7, our learners are poised and ready to conquer new challenges and finish strong!
upper elementary studio
This week in our Studio, learners explored the realm of sports physics more deeply. From dissecting the mechanics of athletic movements to unraveling the intricacies of safety equipment design, each quest exposed learners to more physics concepts.
A hit challenge involved designing safety gear for high-risk sports. Drawing upon their understanding of physics, our learners crafted ingenious solutions to mitigate potential accidents and ensure the well-being of athletes.
A standout feature of the week was the introduction of the "Speed Demon Challenge." This challenge rewards learners with mileage points for embodying our Studio values and instilling accountability through the loss of miles for poor choices, symbolized by 'speeding tickets.' The anticipation of reaching the 95mph milestone by week's end has infused our Studio with a palpable sense of excitement and determination.
While the allure of extrinsic rewards is undeniable, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering intrinsic motivation. By nurturing a genuine passion for learning and personal growth, we equip our learners with the resilience and self-motivation needed for lifelong success.
middle school studio
In addition to filming and reading new scripts this week in Quest, heroes faced some challenging work. Calculating the sound absorption coefficient of materials to determine how to maximize acoustics for Exhibition was no small task. We were impressed with how willing learners led the way in working together.
In Civ, groups worked on a commemorative ceremony to honor the victims of 9/11 and reflect on the significance of that day. They prepared poems, shared personal reflections, or worked on performing music or spoken word pieces.
In Story Arts, we continued sharing our news pitches and reports, receiving feedback, revising, and practicing pitching again for our next “Bullpen” with another expert.
Council is starting off strong by implementing new protocols and improving processes. They are taking even more leadership in the Studio, and it’s a huge win for our Studio culture!
In the coming weeks we have awesome acting experts coming in, a field trip on May 13, and an Exhibition. Things are heating up for summer!
high school studio
Reflecting on this transformative week, we focused on bridging the gap between academia and the real world. We reviewed every high school senior's transcript, ensuring accuracy and completion of requirements. Additionally, we were privileged to host experts from the fashion industry, enriching our understanding from modeling to seamstressing, in anticipation of an upcoming exhibition. Our creativity flourished as we painted representations of life's elements in Story Arts.
Lastly, we took Story Arts to another level in Civilization by portraying stereotypes in the art world through short plays, which challenged our perceptions. Meanwhile, our heroes diligently prepared for math exams shared their worldviews and honed their pitching skills. Let's take this weekend to recharge; more exciting endeavors await us next week.