What’s Happening
From September’s opening day to June’s closing ceremonies, we document and share events from all over our campus in an attempt to continuously communicate all the diverse goings-on at The Unquowa School. From school-wide events, assemblies, visiting presenters and other highlights from around campus, here’s a sample of what’s happening…
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Second Grade Visits Hotspot Glass Studio
Posted by Karen Engelke
Second grade had an amazing field experience when they visited Dylan Cotton’s Hotspot Glass Studio. Currently studying matter in science and Dale Chihuly in art, visiting a glass studio was the perfect excursion. We learned about the properties of glass and received an overview on the studio. We then got to choose which glass object we wanted to make. Working side by side with the professional glassblowers, we learned the basic techniques of the trade, including forming and shaping glass with tools and adding colors. In the end we all went home with a gorgeous finished product!
The Wild, Wild…Spanish Classroom?
Posted by Ms. DeAngelis
WANTED: fifth graders
ALIAS: The “Unquowans”
AGE: ten-ish
DESCRIPTION: these fifth graders are creative, daring, and hardworking! They have a strong working knowledge of Spanish adjectives. Approach with caution, lest they begin to chant the conjugations of “estar” at you. Do not engage in a battle of wits or puns.
REWARD: one million DeAngelis Dólares (equivalent to $0.05 USD).
Starstruck!
Posted by Faith Barbuto
The kindergarteners were beyond excited to go up to the “big kid” math class and see what they have been working on! That was even before they knew they had a built a huge planetarium in their classroom! Students quickly climbed inside and were awed and amazed by the show Mr. Werner projected onto the ceiling of the dome. The excitement did not wane as we exited the structure to learn more about how it was made. “Desks!” The eager children squealed in delight! We learned how the eighth graders had constructed the planetarium with cardboard and saw some of the early prototypes. My students can’t wait until they are old enough to be in Mr. Werner’s class and build something similar, but they do not have to wait to have this very planetarium. It will be up for auction at the Spring Gala on April 28th!
Be the Change Wax Museum Simulation
Posted by Ariel Warshaw
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Our fifth grade writers selected inspiring change-makers to research and embody. The students wrote historical impact essays on their chosen person. These reports challenged them to not simply report on their figure’s biographical information. Instead, we pushed beyond the surface to explore how the conditions of their time stirred them to action; we considered the long lasting legacies these incredible people have left on our world. To culminate this project, the fifth graders created a Wax Museum simulation. Our scholars dressed up as their influential figures, and “came to life” as Lower School and family tour groups visited their exhibits.
Wax Museum Exhibits:
Spring Into the Cross Country Season!
Posted by Sarah Pollex
Brooke and Daniel led our squad to the Dogwood Loop, with a record 30 teammates, to complete our season opener practice of a mile run for time. From our newcomers to our veterans, there was plenty of excitement to make this the best season ever. Individual and team goals were documented and shared and personal bests were even achieved. At the finish line, we all felt like champions. Go Cross Country! Go Gators!
How to Trap a Leprechaun!
Posted by Carlene Gordon
Leprechauns are greedy and sneaky and love shenanigans! So how do you trap one? Fourth graders know, you employ math and engineering skills!
After reading about a mischievous leprechaun in the book Leprechaun Trap by Adam Wallace grade four students went to work to create an efficient but also cost-effective trap. Students discovered that to be successful, they had to think like a leprechaun. Character traits from the story were identified as the students designed and redesigned. We discussed the field of engineering materials and items were carefully chosen not only for their utility, but also with a eye on the cost effectiveness. Each material they chose to use in their design had a price attached. Once completed, students added to find the cost and worked with decimals (our next unit in math!) to give a final cost analysis. In the end, our students presented and demonstrated their projects and the thinking that brought them to their final design. Even Mr. R-M couldn’t resist getting in on the fun!
