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!
7th Grade Diplomats Are Solving the World’s Problems
Posted by Vincent O’Hara
The 7th-grade humanities class has studied how the geography and history of a country influence the way it interacts with other nations. As a culmination of our unit covering the foreign policy spectrum, the class is playing “Nations: A Simulation Game in International Politics.”
Similar to Model U.N., students represented one of the seven countries on the fictional continent of Lostralia. Provided with a unique history, social structure, religious beliefs, intelligence secrets, and objectives, students had to improve the previously set factor totals reflecting the strengths or weaknesses of each country (e.g., food stability, infrastructure, military power, etc.). Each nation is represented by two or three students who fulfill the roles of a minister of the press, a diplomat, and head of state. Their goal is to use diplomacy to improve the lives of their citizens while avoiding catastrophe: unnecessary war.
The students have thrown themselves into this activity with tireless enthusiasm. They have created flags and maps and have written and performed national anthems. Each country has been creating news reports that employ persuasion techniques, including propaganda; diplomats schedule meetings to negotiate trade and military defense treaties.
How do teachers know when their lessons are a success? They know when their students jabber about the class in the halls, bounce into the classroom, and plead to start the lesson. The 7th graders are demonstrating their knowledge in the best way possible: by having fun- and all while solving the problems of the world!
Science Fair 2019
Posted by Craig Knebel
Did you attend the 2019 Unquowa School Science Fair? If you did, you were certainly awed by listening to our scientists discuss their findings on such topics as the effects of caffeine on the brain, how cola will clean a penny, distracted driving, screen time, how rivers form and flow and much, much more. Our student scientists have questioned, researched, planned and experimented for weeks on a topic of choice leading to a supported conclusion. On the day of the annual science fair, fourth, fifth and sixth grade scientists enthusiastically shared their findings through models, demonstrations and carefully crafted poster boards. The entire Unquowa community was delighted and educated by our wonderful student scientists – congratulations to all on a job very well done!
Sharing Experiences and Culture
Posted by Debbie Leidlein
’08 graduate Conner O’Brien recently visited Unquowa to share with the 7th and 8th grade students his experiences in the Peace Corps, living in Ukraine for the past two years. Conner had the students’ rapt attention as he shared with them aspects of Ukraine’s culture and physical landscape. As Conner served as an English teacher in a Ukrainian school, he was able to help our students compare their educational experiences with their counterparts. Additionally, Conner shared pictures of Ukrainian food, housing and transportation. He also talked about cost of living and how it compared with the United States. Connor also spoke to the students about the Peace Corps, explaining what they do and how individuals volunteer for this unique international opportunity. After answering a barrage of questions, the students invited Conner to come back and have lunch with them, an invitation he promptly accepted. Who knows? Maybe one day another Unquowa student may decide that they would enjoy this same opportunity of sharing American culture with the world.
Can You Hear Me Now?
Posted by Krissy Ponden
Seventh graders have been creating clay speakers in visual arts designed to amplify their phones or devices. Starting with a cone shape, they added details and embellishments to transform these utilitarian objects into works of art. The glazed speakers will work to funnel the sound and project it, making it easier to annoy parents or siblings in another room with that ten hour long version of the flamingo song. Not to give anyone any ideas…
The Two-Minute Challenge
Posted by Carlene Gordon
Can you be still for two minutes? Not only are our fourth graders up to the challenge, they have set a goal of getting to five minutes. Students calculated that there are 1,440 minutes in a day. How many of these minutes are noisy, rushed, scheduled and stressful? In fourth grade, we start each day in a circle hearing morning announcements and sharing goals for the day. We close our morning meeting by opening a few windows (no matter the weather), turning off the lights and sitting, many with eyes closed, in mindful listening. Afterwards students share what they heard internally (heartbeat, breathing, thoughts in their head) and externally; the brook, wind, traffic, and many other sounds. Students have learned to appreciate and eagerly anticipate daily mindful listening practice.
Ski Club 2019 – It’s a Wrap!
Posted by Lloyd Mitchell
Ski Club wrapped up one of it’s most successful ski seasons in the last 10 years of its existence. For the first time, we had 6 ski trips all to Ski Sundown. Whether it was some of our veteran skiers or several of our first timers joining us, everyone had an amazing time hitting the slopes on a Friday night with their friends. This year’s ski club had an all time high of participation with 67% of Upper schoolers coming on at least 1 trip and over 80% of those students going on 2 or more. We even had some students who went on all 6 trips! While we bid the 2019 ski farewell, we are already looking forward to 2020. Bring on the snow!
