Senior Learners Class Notes

We’re busy thinking about the origins of the universe with our all class read of Astrophysics For Young People  In A Hurry, written by Neil DeGrasse Tyson. Tyson writes, “In the beginning, nearly fourteen billion years ago, the entire universe was smaller than the period that ends this sentence.” The scientific story he tells is fascinating, and he manages to express complex ideas using simple language wrapped in well-constructed sentences. 

We are synthesizing our learning of each chapter by creating visual representations in the form of one-page   illustrations. We’re also going to create the story of the origins of the universe on our classroom walls. I’ll keep you posted as we delve more deeply into the fascinating field of astrophysics.  We are writing essays about a range of topics, from the problematic farming method of tilling to how we need to envision and support gender equality in society. The kids developed topics of their own, researched, and developed a thesis. There is much to learn when incorporating outside information into our writing, and the kids are gaining experience with making decisions about when to quote or paraphrase one’s research. I will post the essays on our website when they are finished.

Our contribution to the Guild Hall Student Art Exhibit is on view now. They are not taking field trips because of COVID, and sent us this link to view the show from our computers.  The show is open to families on the weekend. Here is the online link:  https://www.guildhall.org/events/student-art-festival-2021-past-present-future/.    It’s a bit tricky to navigate at first, but you’ll get it.  I created a small video of our work for you as well - 

here is that link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oU7SYSeH0_gdVlqGDHaMGsEuxVTwJTz1/view?usp=shar-