Mini Movie Trailer

Arnold Chan Arts, Experiential Learning, Technology No Comments

At the beginning of this course, Communications Technology(TGJ4O), the class had an option of making a sequel to the previous class’s mini movie. First they decided which roles would be necessary, such as director, script writer, cinematographer, actors. Then they started brainstorming the movie’s name, “Invasion of the W.a.f.f.l.e Clones: Let there be Brunch!”, making a rough storyline, script, and characters. Once the script writer finished the script, the class created the props with 3D printers, and planned out the locations for filming.

When the class started filming, they ran into problems like re-doing and re-scheduling scenes when necessary. During the editing stage, they edited all the scenes together, with music and sound effects. They also marketed the film by designing both physical and digital posters. The premiere for the film is scheduled for June 27th, 2022 at the YMCA graduation ceremony for this school year.

Please enjoy the Trailer for now!

Glimpse into the life of a Beekeeper

Brandon Stewart Beyond the Classroom, Environmental Stewardship, Experiential Learning No Comments

The weather is warming up and pollinators have begun buzzing around our neighbourhoods. The YMCA Academy had a first hand lesson in a particular pollinating species. Though solitary bees, flies, beetles, birds, and native bees make up the most significant populations of pollinators, no insect has quite the same history with human activity as the Western Honey Bee.

This spring the Academy High School students got a glimpse into the life of a beekeeper. Academy teacher and hobby beekeeper, Brandon, brought in an empty hive and beekeeping equipment to demonstrate some of the jobs of a beekeeper. No bees were brought in for the demonstration, but the hive and equipment was enough to show the basics, and excite the curiosity of student participants. The workshop began with bee behaviours and biology, the life cycle of honey bees, the different types of bees, and the roles that bees take in the colony, and about the importance of pollinators in our ecosystems.

Lighting the hive smoker, and donning a beekeeper’s veil, Brandon demonstrated a hive inspection. He explained the parts of a Langstroth Hive, and how the bees use the space within. Making connections to Biology, Green Industries, and Careers courses, the students discussed the hazards and benefits of keeping bees.

Student questions focused on the role of the queen in the colony, what swarming behaviour is for, what a bee sting feels like, and how beekeepers get their start. At the end of the workshop, Brandon invited students to taste honey directly from the comb.

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Neighbourhood Prototype Project

YMCA Academy Beyond the Classroom, English and Humanities, Experiential Learning, Science and Math No Comments

Alex’s Exploring Technology has been learning about the design process and how it can be applied to urban planning. We began with research and brainstorming to explore what makes a neighbourhood a good place to live. Students generated lists of “look-fors,” and we furthered our research by heading out on a walk.

During the walk students worked in survey teams to notice aspects of the neighbourhood that make it a good place to live, and aspects that need improvement. Teams took photos as evidence, and marked important findings on a map. Back at school, they worked to record their findings on google earth.

One new insight gained during the walk was the importance of art and cultural spaces (murals, theatres etc.) in a neighbourhood.

Based on their explorations, students worked on designing their own prototype neighbourhoods. Some students used Minecraft to create neighbourhood layouts. Others worked on creating a physical model of an ideal neighbourhood.

Circuit Project

Arnold Chan Experiential Learning, Science and Math No Comments

In Computer Technology, we cover a broad range of topics that are related to computers. This month we will be looking at a basic and crucial part of computers, electricity and circuits.

Students are first taught the basics of electricity as well as the safety of handling electrical equipment. Then, we start a series of circuit projects, where students get the hands-on experience to build and draw different circuits for better understanding.

Satellites in Space – Designing Spacecraft

Megan Steciw Experiential Learning, Science and Math No Comments

The Grade 9s were treated to a special visit from NASA (Wallops Visitor Center – big thank-you!). The students participated in the program MISSION EXPLORERS: DESIGN A SPACECRAFT.

Together the Grade 9s mission was to design spacecraft that would study the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere of earth. NASA guided the students step-by-step on how to design a spacecraft beginning with a review of the different types of space technology such as rovers, scientific balloons, and satellites. The students then decided the power source for the spacecraft and the scientific instrument such as a camera or magnetometer. The students also incorporated a communication device to send signals to earth! The students chose between an antenna and an orbiter relay system. The students were ready to sketch their own spacecraft design!

After our visit, the students transformed their designs into 3-D models! During cross-curricular, the students are learning about climate change from space. The satellites in space collect important information about the planet we live on together including how our environment is experiencing pattern shifts. The students carefully thought about how to build their satellites, questioning how to attach antenna and robotic arms that can collect samples. The students experimented with a variety of materials from cardboard to clay to sponges to popsicle sticks imagining what they could be! The spacecraft reflect a diversity of applied design ideas! Next stop, SPACE!

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