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!

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

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.

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

Apr. 12th, 2011 – Outdoor Orienteering Pictures

YMCA Academy Community, Environmental Stewardship, Experiential Learning

This week at Brickworks, we learned that people can get around without relying on a GPS (no, seriously!) as we gained outdoor orienteering experience!  We learned about mapping skills and how to use a map and compass, as we roamed and explored all of the trails and habitats around the Brickworks valley ecosystem.  It was a lovely day to walk around and explore the area, as we marked native trees, waterways, animals and plants on our maps. We discovered that spring has truly sprung, as we spotted the first wild tulips of the season.

(Note: The following part works best when read with David Attenborough’s accent.)  We also spotted a rare variety of the “scampering teenager” as we traversed the slopes of the old Brickworks pit in search of the ultimate feast of “trail mix”. The young males of the species often go head to head in an effort to secure the energy necessary to make the long trek home.  Alas, today was a peaceful struggle, and the pride of students returned safely to their migrational pattern.

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

Mar. 30th, 2011 – Jane Goodall Field Trip Details

YMCA Academy Experiential Learning, Updates

Dear Parent and Guardians,

I am writing to inform you about an exciting upcoming school trip.  We have had the honour of being invited to see Dr. Jane Goodall speak at the University of Toronto on April 1st.  In addition, a few of our students will be introducing Dr. Goodall.  The special chance to meet and hear her speak has been arranged by the educational branch of her institute, Roots and Shoots, with whom we did the Shoreline Cleanup in September. Our school has been invited as a “thank you” for our dedication in environmental stewardship and to inspire our students to continue to take action for the environment.

Please Note: This is a very exciting and unique opportunity to hear a talk from one of the great environmentalists and field-research academics – therefore, the whole school will be attending, and there will be direct course linkages both before and after the trip.  The trip fulfills mandatory expectations for most of the courses at the Academy, and impacts all students at the school; therefore, attendance is mandatory for all students.

This trip is directly linked to curriculum, is in the immediate area and relates to course curriculum.  Therefore, permission for this trip will be covered under the umbrella permission form that all parents/guardians/students have signed. You only need to reply if there is a particular issue with your child/ward attending.

Thank you for your support and cooperation.  Look for our Jane Goodall blog on the website after we attend the talk!

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!

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