Focus Week

Bioengineering and Robotics
Taught by Mrs. Vardeman

This course teaches students the mechanics of the body and how engineers work to solve problems. Students work to simulate an incubator for a premature baby. They seek to answer questions like “How do we feed a baby who can’t eat?” and “How do we make sure a baby with underdeveloped lungs keeps breathing AND gets enough oxygen?” Students write code to control Arduino micro-controllers that, when combined with circuits, create monitoring systems for a premature baby. We may even make an interactive blanket for a growing child.

Art
Taught by Mrs. Yonkman

Using everyday materials, specialty paints, and hand tools, students dive into new techniques and media, including stencil-cutting and usage, word art, and simple wire sculpture. Students are challenged to incorporate new strategies in original works on fabric, paper, and in 3D material.

Film
Taught by Mr. Yang

Students learn about film composition, shooting, and editing. They then apply these skills by creating a "5-shot film." Students also spend time analyzing a feature-length film. The course culminates in a mini-showcase where the "directors" debut their work for an audience.

Taught by Mrs. Moscatiello
Calligraphy means “beautiful writing” in Greek, and in this course, students learn the basic techniques of pointed-pen calligraphy (also known as Copperplate). Students become familiar with the tools of calligraphy and learn to script the full Copperplate alphabet while learning the history of scripts and letter-writing. In addition, students receive supplies to take home so that they can continue to develop and use their skills beyond the classroom. Knowledge of cursive penmanship is helpful.