STEM Fair 2026!
Posted by Joey Casey
This spring, science and makerspace classes in fourth, fifth, and sixth grades have been discussing renewable energy, specifically passive solar, wind power and hydro power. Classes spent time reviewing the benefits of replacing non-renewable energy with renewable and many of the ways the renewable energy could be used. Students chose to work in groups or individually to create a model showing their understanding of the concept.
Ideas ranged from hydro powered amusement parks, kitchen appliances, turbine designs, flower passive solar houses, fancy hotels, and so much more. Students showed an ability to further integrate the concepts into many facets of present-day life.
Fourth grade worked with passive solar energy. They learnt that passive solar is not your typical solar energy, as it has to do with various indirect energy uses – how a structure is built, material choices, an understanding of thermal mass, and orientation to the sun. Structures can use the sun, or absence of sun, to heat and cool spaces, depending on seasonal needs. Students engineered fantastic models showing everything from nautical beach homes, flower shaped homes, mushroom shaped homes, and fancy hotels. Models were very thoughtful and had numerous details including furniture and decor.
Fifth grade discussed wind power and its ability to either be transferred as kinetic or electrical energy. Students came up with novel projects including a wind powered car racing ramp, a whale tale inspired turbine, a boat, and an amusement park.
Sixth grade used their understanding of hydro power, many using water wheels, to power ideas both great and small. Models included amusement parks, water parks, a personal ice machine, and pizza makers.
Students excitedly presented their impressive models and ideas to the entire school in the gym after assembly on Earth Day. All classes reflected on how exciting and important it was to showcase their work and see the work of their peers. We were so excited to have so many families and friends in attendance and hope everyone left with a greater understanding of renewable energies and the inspiring ideas of what could be possible in the future. Well done 4th, 5th and 6th grade engineers!
Language Learning the Fun Way!
Posted by kellyyeh
Play! Play! Play! Learning a new language is exciting and fun!
In the Lower School Mandarin classroom, PreK students used face stickers to create animal faces. They had so much fun designing their own animals while learning vocabulary for different facial features.
Second graders played a game called “Draw My Little Monster.” Students drew a monster based on the teacher’s instructions. For example, they were given prompts such as, “The monster has five blue mouths” or “three small ears.”
Other grades used family member cards—similar to poker cards—to play a game. Students had to say sentences such as, “I have three older sisters,” in order to place their cards. The first student to get rid of all their cards won.
Every child loves to play. Learning a language through fun activities not only helps students build skills, but also keeps them interested and engaged. The Mandarin classroom atmosphere is lively, full of energy, and filled with fun!
Year of the Fire Horse!
Posted by Carina Blackwell
Xīn Nián Kuài Lè, Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái – Happy New Year and Wishing You Good Fortune!
Our Grade 4 through 6 Mandarin students kicked off the Chinese New Year celebrations by preparing over 600 vegetable dumplings, which, along with other delicious Chinese dishes created by our Chefs, were enjoyed by the entire school during a special festive lunch. Meanwhile, our younger students had fun practicing their Mandarin skills by crafting Play-Doh dumplings, listening to stories about why red and firecrackers are essential for Chinese New Year Celebration and making colorful Chinese New Year crafts. As part of the celebration, all Mandarin students received traditional Red Envelopes to mark the New Year of the Fire Horse.
A special thank you to Unquowa parent Mrs. Toolan, who visited the 5th and 6th grade Mandarin class to share insights into Chinese New Year traditions. The students had a great time taking turns wearing the festive dragon costume and dancing around the classroom!
Throughout our two-week celebration, Mandarin students across all grade levels showcased their language skills with performance on the school assembly. Their songs were filled with wishes of good luck and health for the New Year. Adding to the joyous spirit of the occasion, everyone came to school dressed in red!
Enhancing our foreign language program, this cultural experience is always a festive and delicious highlight of the year that our Unquowa community looks forward to celebrating.
Gators Got Game!
Posted by Sarah Pollex
Our Grade 3/4 basketball team is lighting up the gym! With basketballs bouncing, sneakers squeaking, and laughter echoing, these Gators are having a blast! From speedy dribble relays to the ever-popular Dribble Knockout, every practice is full of energy, cheers, and high-fives. One thing’s for sure—these Gators aren’t just playing basketball… they are magic in the making on the court! “Gators on three! One, two, three, Gators!”
Global Classroom Connection!
Posted by Alice DesGranges
This year, Unquowa’s fourth graders participated in a meaningful international exchange through the organization Creative Connections, blending creativity and culture while connecting students around the world. Over several months, Unquowa students worked thoughtfully to create original works of art that told the stories of their cultural backgrounds, family traditions, and personal identities. These projects were shared internationally with partner students in Latvia, who also created original artworks of their own. Through a virtual classroom call, both groups of students were able to speak with one another and ask questions about their art and cultures, giving our learners a unique opportunity to see how art can communicate across languages and borders.
