May 3rd, 2011 – Outward Bound Open House Pics

YMCA Academy Community, Experiential Learning, Healthy Living

The Academy Healthy Active Living classes were invited to participate in the Outward Bound Open House on Friday April 29th.

Despite rainy weather students trekked through the downtown hiking path network to the Brickworks site where they had an opportunity to:

  • Climb a 9m climbing wall
  • Climb a 18m challenge tower
  • Boulder on an indoor  bouldering wall
  • Attend a motivational presentations by inspiring staff members including a Mt. Everest climber

Thanks to Outward Bound for the invitation! We had an amazing afternoon!

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Apr. 20th, 2011 – Fun with Optical Illusions

YMCA Academy Experiential Learning, Science and Math, Student Spotlight

Optical Illusions had the attention of the Grade 10 science class today. With the Optics unit nearly complete students were asked to use their new knowledge to tackle some eye benders.

Did you know there is a glass public washroom in a town square in Switzerland? Reflection is used to make it one-way. No one can see you in there, but when you are inside, it looks like you’re sitting in a clear glass box.

We built a model to “experience” one way reflection.

Ever wonder how science and art mix? Check out the Chevreul illusion and issues of optical perspective.

Ever wonder how the hobbits in Lord of the Rings look so small? We built an Ames room to understand.

Did you know that your eyes have different sensors to see contrast vs. colour. We tested our rods and cones and got interesting results!

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Apr. 18th, 2011 – The Green Living Show Trip

YMCA Academy Community, English and Humanities, Experiential Learning

On Friday, students form the Environment class went to check out the Green Living Show at the Direct Energy Centre.  It included booths about green energy, home products, green businesses, home and garden, food and health.

Academy students at the Green Living Show, Friday April 15th.

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Mar. 29th, 2011 – Kitchen Session at Brickworks

YMCA Academy Community, Environmental Stewardship, Experiential Learning, Healthy Living

Another great day with the Healthy Choices Program!  On Monday, March 28, we went to Brickworks for one of the kitchen sessions.  Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver, watch out…here comes the YMCA Academy!  In this session, students learned about reading labels and how to compare products to make the best choice.  We learned that if we can’t pronounce or don’t recognize an ingredient, then it’s not healthy food.  We also learned about shopping the periphery of a grocery store and to stay away from the packaged food in the middle.  Students worked in three teams to prepare a feast of spicy salsa, guacamole and corn chips, yummy home-made mac and cheese, and delicious oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, all made with fresh healthy ingredients.  Afterwards, we enjoyed the fruits of our labour and sat down for a family-style meal.  Well done, Academy chefs!

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Mar. 25th, 2011 – Ontario Legislature Field Trip

YMCA Academy English and Humanities, Experiential Learning

On Thursday, March 24th, the Grade 10 Civics students visited the Ontario Legislature to participate in a series of engaging activities relating to what they’ve been learning in class. Students took a tour of the Legislative building, participated in mock passing of a new bill and visited the Chamber to observe parliament in session.

Grade 10 Civics class visits the Ontario Legislature
Group photo of the Academy's Grade 10 Civics class inside the Legislative building.

Check out the rest of the pictures on our Facebook Page!