Exploration Block Class Descriptions: Fall 2011

Please note that, for this EB session only, the younger children and the older children will have separate EBs at different times. Next time (in the new building) we will have more flexibility to offer wider choices where appropriate. Horse riding will be offered again in the spring for the younger children specifically.

Grades K-2
Wednesdays 9 a.m.-10 a..m.

Pasta, Fried Rice and Matzoh Balls
Food, Culture and Traditions of Immigrants in America (Mrs. Carpenter)
Cooking! Based on the book of the same title, this EB will focus on the traditional food of various groups who came to this country between 1565 and 1921. This will be a combination of a history class and cooking class. Each week will focus on one immigrant group: reasons they chose America to be their home, the challenges they faced, and the special gifts they brought with them from their home country. We will cook and sample one dish each week. Please note that this EB is NOT suitable for children with gluten or dairy allergies.

Robotics (Dr. George)
LEGO! We’ll be sampling activities from The LEGO® Education WeDo™ Robotics Construction Set. This is an easy-to-use set that introduces young students to robotics when combined with the LEGO Education WeDo Robotics Software v.1.2 and Activity Pack (900097). We’ll be trying out building LEGO models featuring working motors and sensors; programming their models; and exploring a series of theme-based activities.. Exactly what we do will depend on the children and the ideas we choose to follow.

Silkscreening with Andy Warhol (Val)
We’ll be taking a look at some of Andy Warhol’s art and his use of silk screening techniques. We will study color, layering, patterning in design and we’ll produce a piece of finished work. This may be a group project or individual, depending on the interests and aptitudes of the children, and our work may be used for a fundraiser or as decor for our new building! A visit to a silk screening company will be scheduled.

Pen Pals in Korea (Marshall)
Students will dive into the Korean classroom by learning basic greetings, culture, and customs. We will learn what it is like to be a student in Korea. The final project will be to write letters to Korean students who are learning English at schools in the Republic of Korea. Students will build relationships with people from around the world, and also practice communication skills at student-appropriate levels. (Kids who are not yet writing will be given scribe support from another student or the teacher.)

Grades 3-6
Wednesdays 12:30 p.m.-1:15 p.m.

Horsing Around! (Shan)
Get out your boots, we are headed out to the farm. Join me as we take our weekly trip to Corner Stone Too Acres... We will be learning all about horses: anatomy, cleaning the stalls, cleaning the saddles, feeding, grooming, as well as riding. The goal of this class is to give your child the knowledge and skill set to do well with horses. Horse riding helps develop self-confidence, empathy, a sense of pride and accomplishment. Please see attached guidelines. Please note that there is a $45 fee for this class.

Hip Hop Lives (Chris)
In this EB class, we will be studying hip hop music and culture. Students will learn the origins of the culture and explore the key elements, including MCing, DJing, Breaking, and Graffiti. Students will practice listening and collaboration skills as they compose original rhymes and beats. Movement will be incorporated into the class as students learn traditional hip hop dance routines. Fine motor skills will be honed as students examine different graffiti styles and work on crafting a style of their own.

Fine Art/Fabrication Workshop (Mr. B)
Students will be introduced to a variety of fine art techniques including book making/binding, balsa wood India ink drawing, and flute making. Students should have some experience using common art materials and have well developed fine motor skills for handling small & sharp objects.