Welcome to Spaces and Moments: The Unquowa Blog Page

Something is always going on at Unquowa and this is the place to keep up with all the exciting happenings. Whether in the classroom, the makerspace, on stage, or at play, every space and every moment is a chance to discover, connect, learn, and have fun. Check here frequently for news, campus-wide events, and other highlights from around campus, all posted by our inspiring teachers!

The Conservation of Energy

Posted by Joshua Bartosiewicz

The 8th graders continue to explore energy, energy transfer and transformation! In this lab we tested the Law of Conservation, which states, energy can not be created nor destroyed. This means that energy must simply flow from one type to another or from one object to another. To evaluate this theory, the 8th grade took an object (like a baseball, tennis ball or racket ball) and found the mass on a triple beam balance. Once the mass was recorded, the groups ran 3 trials where they dropped the object from a known height and we recorded the time it took to fall. After the 3 trials the students took the average and used that time for their calculations. Once we had our time, height and mass we were able to calculate the total potential energy of the object and the total kinetic energy it experienced as it fell. The young scientists would then compare the potential energy and kinetic energy to see if they were equal. Theoretically, they would be equal to each other which would align with the Law of Conservation, however, due to human error (starting and stopping the timer off from the person dropping the ball) and energy transformation (which wasn’t part of the calculations) the numbers were not exactly the same. These energy transformations are a great segway into the next unit which deals with energy transformation and heat. 

Bringing Early Human History to Life!

Posted by Thomas Iezin

Last week, our 6th graders stepped back in time to explore the world of early humans through a hands-on learning experience! Inspired by the cave paintings at Wonderwerk Cave we had studied in class, students began by scavenging outdoors for natural materials, just as early humans might have done when they created their artwork. They then received a short text describing what they would need to paint, along with additional natural materials provided by Chef Adam, including annatto seeds, strawberries, turmeric, and lemon, to experiment with different colors and pigments.

With the help of our Visual Arts teacher Ms. Ponden, students put their creativity to work, using their materials to create their own cave paintings. But the learning didn’t stop there! Once the paintings were complete, students shifted perspectives and became archaeologists and anthropologists. Using the paintings as evidence, they examined their classmates’ artwork and attempted to interpret what the images might represent. Just as researchers study artifacts and ancient artwork to better understand the past, our students practiced making observations, asking questions, and developing interpretations based on evidence.

This activity brought together so many aspects of Humanities, from history and archaeology to anthropology, observation, and creative expression. Most importantly, it gave students the opportunity to experience how we learn about people and civilizations from the past when written records are limited or nonexistent. By exploring, creating, questioning, and interpreting evidence, they develop a deeper understanding of the past and hopefully a greater appreciation for the many ways we can uncover the stories of those who came before us!

Love This Moment

Posted by Carina Blackwell

Another amazing day of Reading Buddies! Our Grade 5A students spent quality time with our PreK friends in Advisory today, and the smiles said it all!

We were so impressed by the patience and kindness our 5th graders showed while reading to the younger students. It was a wonderful bonding experience that reminded us why we love our school community.

A huge thank you to Mrs. Raggio for this brilliant idea and to Mrs. Barbuto for opening her class to make this special time possible.

Go Gators! 🐊

Creating 2D Nets of 3D Shapes

Posted by Colleen Jacques

In their first unit of study, 8th graders taking Geometry explored the meaning of more than 50 mathematical vocabulary words! They defined, named, and identified points, lines, and planes, as well as line segments and angles.

Students used the midpoint and distance formulas to perform calculations and solve word problems. They also explored translations, reflections, and rotations by graphing transformations on the coordinate plane. In addition, they calculated the surface area and volume of 3D shapes and began a culminating project in which they are creating 2D nets from 3D shapes.

For this project, students identified and collected various prisms and pyramids, then cut along their edges to create 2D nets. With Mr. Casey’s guidance, they used a coping saw, a craft knife, metal shears, and spring-loaded cutting snips to cut open cylindrical containers that could not easily be cut with scissors. Students identified the number of faces, edges, and vertices of each shape and explained whether it was a polyhedron,or not, and why. They also measured the appropriate dimensions of their 3D shapes to calculate surface area and volume, labeling each measurement with the correct units. Finally, they will research real-world examples of professions that use these mathematical skills.

All their calculations and research will be displayed in a science-fair-style exhibition next Wednesday, October 21, in the Math North room, following assembly. Please stop by!

Upper School Visual Arts: A Creative Start to the Year!

Posted by Krissy Ponden

We have been keeping busy in Upper School visual arts classes since the start of school! Check out some of the projects that students have been working on:

6th grade: We learned how to make turmeric anthotypes with flowers and leaves from our school garden and used them for the covers of our sketchbooks that we sewed together with the coptic stitch bookbinding technique. We are now finishing up our cartoon self-portraits and beginning a unit on piñatas.

7th grade: We learned about the icosahedron geometric solid and designed three-dimensional forms with prints and cut-out shapes. We experimented with the Korean art of Joomchi papermaking, created digital memories based on Darrick Adams’ exhibit, ON, and we are beginning to decorate models of subway cars with graffiti.

8th grade: We studied the cultural relevance of radial design and created our own printed versions. We are beginning to learn about the Japanese art of kinusaiga and designing our own no-sew quilted patterns.

Reading Buddies: Big Buddies, Little Readers!

Posted by Sarah Raggio

It was a big day for our PreK Gators! They headed up the stairs to meet their 5th Grade Reading Buddies for the first time.

This year, our PreK students will meet monthly with both sections of 5th grade for stories, projects, and plenty of fun. These special visits are a wonderful opportunity for our youngest Gators to build connections with older students while sharing a love of books and learning.

And this was just the beginning! We’ll be checking in throughout the year to share more of the stories, projects, and special moments that unfold as our Reading Buddies get to know one another.