SEP Session 2, Day 1 (5-8)

Many teachers began the first day of class by playing ice breaker games to help students learn more about their classmates. After learning more about each other, teachers introduced students to the foundation of their course.

Each day, we will feature several courses. The number of courses posted about each day will vary depending on our schedule and tasks for the day. Throughout the session, we will feature as many courses as possible.

Today in "Architecture: Redesign in Order to Reuse," students looked at photos of various buildings. While looking at the photos, students thought about what each building could be used for as well as what they would change and how.

Today in "How to make a Podcast," SEP student’s learned about different types of podcasts produced by various media outlets such as NPR, the New York Times, etc. Students listened to excerpts from popular podcasts. While listening students took note of the different production elements from each excerpt to help them learn about these elements and gather ideas for their podcasts. 

In "So You Want to Change the World" students worked individually to write down as many problems in the world that they could think of. Students then worked in groups to sort their concerns into categories of their choosing. Finally, students each shared the problem that they are most concerned about. As students progress in the class, they will move from discussing problems to generating creative solutions.

Use the arrow on the left/right side of the photo to navigate through the slideshow.

Today in "Engineers Can Change The World," SEP scientists worked in small groups to design and build ‘trash” chairs using recycled materials. After groups completed the design and construction process for their chairs, each group presented their chair to the whole class and talked about their design process. 

5-6 photos:

7-8 photo:

Today in "On the brink … Innovations in Warfare in World War II," SEP 7-8 Historians, were introduced to historical thinking and how they can use it when approaching the study of WWII. Students worked to answer enduring questions key to their understanding of this time. The class watched videos and engaged in discussions about who Adolph Hitler was and how he came to power, how the war started, and the tactics used by the Nazi military that made it so successful.

This morning in "Math, Statistics and Game Theory" students were introduced to the world of game strategy. Students focused on two algorithms used to play Tic-Tac-Toe. Once the algorithms were taught, students tried using them independently and with each other. Both algorithms that were taught were then compared in terms of quality, preciseness, thoroughness, and completeness. These quality indicators will be revisited throughout the course as students learn and practice additional game theories.

"Explorations in Neuroscience" spent the morning introducing themselves to each other and clarifying what they already know about the brain. Throughout today's class, students began their investigations into the forms and functions of the brain in small groups. Students had the opportunity to draw, paint, and label brain images, as well as watch a video and read a story about the brain.

"Blueprint to You" is a class based on genetics. By the end of the session, students should understand that "genetics is a vastly complex field that holds a variety of social implications, both positive and negative." After a few activities where students got to know each other, Cat Gamboa informed her students of some of the exciting tasks they would be completing in upcoming days like working with Mr. Potato Head's genetics, studying fingerprints, solving a crime scene, and engaging in a debate. One of the students responded, "I knew this class was going to be fun!" First things first, students learned about the differences in dominant and recessive traits by playing BINGO.

Today in "Religion, Rulers, and Riots," students deeply dove into the definition of religion. They pondered the question, "What exactly is religion?" in general and in specific contexts. Some of the ideas that students had about religion are there are practitioners who engage in rituals and have traditions. To elicit some additional ideas and thoughts, students were shown various images,such as a priest, a Christmas tree, and a 1950s photo of students reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to an American flag. These images prompted a lot of very interesting conversations.

In "From Hamlet to Black Panther," students were sharing what they already know about Hamlet and what they want to know They also compared the qualities of plays to movies and novels to distinguish what certain works of art provide to audiences that others do not. 

Best,

Nicole, Olivia and Abby