Celebrating the Unsung Heroes in History
Posted by Krissy PondenSeventh graders have been researching the stories of unsung heroes who made an important impact on the world but were largely unrecognized during their lifetimes. We discussed what character traits heroes possess such as compassion, selflessness, and conscience, as well as what heroic actions look like.
Students selected an individual from the Lowell Milken Foundation for Unsung Heroes list, and identified the traits and actions that these heroes exhibited that helped to change the course of history for the better. Once they discovered the details of the stories of Elizabeth Horton Sheff, who fought for education equity, Robert R. Williams, who cured beriberi, Virginia Apgar, who saved the lives of newborns, and others, they began brainstorming and creating artworks that celebrate and illuminate these courageous individuals. And while it is important to recognize the contributions of those in history, students were also asked to consider how these stories are relevant today and what we can learn from them. The finished projects along with the students’ impact statements will be on display soon!
Stop Motion in the Art Studio!
Posted by Krissy PondenSixth graders have been planning, prepping, and storyboarding their stop motion animations, and soon they will begin recording! Stop motion is an awesome introduction to animation, and it can be easily made with a free app and a camera. Students have been experimenting with clay, legos, pencils on paper, and even Barbies! It is so much fun to see the students’ animations coming to life, and they are loving the process!
Pen & Paper, Volume 13, “New Horizons.”
Posted by Eric SnowWe are proud to announce this year’s edition of Pen & Paper, Volume 13, “New Horizons.” This edition is organized around the themes of change and transition, beginnings and endings, aspirations and dreams. The Pen & Paper editorial team has worked hard to select, edit, and organize this issue, and we couldn’t be prouder to share it with the Unquowa community. This issue is 130 pages made up of 95 pieces of art, photography, short stories, and poetry taken from submissions and the 7th and 8th Grade Voices of Change projects. There are a total of 32 contributors.
The Memory Project: Art for Colombian Preschoolers
Posted by Krissy PondenIt has become a tradition for eighth graders to paint portraits for The Memory Project, a nonprofit organization that has students create art to send to children around the world who are experiencing hardship, and last year was the first time that seventh graders also participated by making art with the children’s names and words that describe them. This year the students created art for preschool students in Colombia. We learned about what has been going on in Colombia and how art can humanize those who are sometimes reduced to only their trauma by amplifying their individual stories. The finished pieces have been sent to The Memory Project, who will be sending it to the children in Colombia. We are grateful to once again have this opportunity to spread kindness through art.
Grade 4 Engineers
Posted by Karen EngelkeStudents in Grade 4 have been learning about Engineering and Technology in science. After examining the Engineering Design process, students were tasked with exploring a design problem. They learned how to ask questions and define problems to design a hearing-enhancing device. By examining the engineering process, students came to understand the influence of Engineering, Technology, and Science on Society and the Natural World. After they were given constraints and criteria for a hearing-enhancing device, they utilized various materials to create a prototype. Once their prototypes were complete, they presented them to Mr. Casey and the rest of the class and spoke about any problems or further enhancements they would make to their models.
Emotional Color Portraits Class Share & Critique
Posted by Krissy PondenThe sixth grade recently finished their emotional color portraits and wrote insightful artist statements explaining their projects. Each student shared their work during class and their classmates complimented them on what they liked best about their project. Class critiques such as this give students an opportunity to practice expressing their artistic process and choices and to receive positive feedback about their work. Be sure to check out the entire gallery of work currently displayed outside of the Technology lab!