Is There A Better Way To Learn Than Experience? - Year 4, Week 7
A week of new discovery! Our elementary learners are fast becoming expert botanists, while our Spark learners perfect their acting skills! Week 7 was full of preparation as exhibitions approach!
spark studio
Is there a better way to learn than through experience? We took our first adventure to The Center for Puppetry Arts where Mother Goose went missing from the town. We had to go down the street to take a peek to find her. On the way we ran into so many new friends. You may know some of them. There was Mary Mary Quite Contrary, We Willy Winky, Jack & Jill, Old Mrs. Hubbard, Little Bo Beep, and so many more. We even went to a workshop to make some sheep for Little Bo Peep. We have a new appreciation for puppetry arts.
“Life’s like a movie, write your own ending. Keep believing, keep pretending” - Jim Henson
elementary studio
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new” -Socrates
This week heroes had a virtual visit from an expert from the “Rouge Dog” team. They discussed and studied the adaptation of plants and why it is important for them to do so. A plant that may not be getting enough sunlight, stretches and turns its leaves to face the sun. Like a plant we must do the same. When faced with a change, whether we implement it ourselves or it is forced upon us, we must direct our thoughts and actions towards the “light”.
As our heroes continued to study Botany, they were faced with their own change in our studio community and are learning to embrace adaptation. We are so happy to have Dynasti join our elementary studio, and will miss Shamira greatly as she transitions to The Forest School Online. Heroes discussed how they felt about the change and what they can do to make the transition smooth. By the end of the week, all of our heroes are growing familiar and more comfortable with Dynasti, and are looking forward to the upcoming sessions!
middle school studio
Middle School has been busy this week diving into the world of biomimicry. Our journey has taken us through an exploration of microbiology and cell structures, the life cycles of plants, the mechanisms of animal behavior, and the human genome. The question we've been reflecting on through this research is: "how can nature influence the spaces we design?" Our Exhibition at the end of this session will feature teams of learners pitching their best ideas to the builders of the new school building.
In Storytelling, we have been learning the basics of what makes a good story. Next week, learners will take what they've learned to script out their own short films. In Civilization, our march through human history has focused on ancient Egypt. With our first Badge Ceremony and our annual Contract Signing Ceremony coming up, we have two busy weeks ahead of us!
high school studio
"We each are special, we each are unique. We each are brilliant beings. Just allow yourself to be that person." -Ellen DeGeneres
Heroes state that Apprenticeships are one of the best aspects of the school, with that being said this week several of the heroes completed numerous apprenticeships. We also have an update on this signature learning experience. Moving forward, juniors and seniors are now able to complete 2 40-hour apprenticeships while freshman and sophomore still maintain the requirement of 4 20-hour apprenticeships. We made this change so that juniors and seniors are able to take a deeper dive into career interests As they get closer to graduation.
This week in Civilization heroes covered the topic of the Mongolian invasion over Japan where they put themselves in the role of each party and determined how they would handle the situation if they were in their shoes. Heroes continue to grind out their short stories as they add to the structure of their stories embodying more descriptive and unique word patterns.
With only two weeks left in the session learners continue to prepare for Exhibition and develop creative art pieces that will be showcased at the Innovation Works showcase.
-Onward
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