Revel Recap: November 1 - 5, 2021
Spark Studio
Mindfulness
Everyone was very excited to share all about their Halloween experiences on Monday morning! It sounds like all the Sparks had a fun time, and they are delighted to enjoy some of their treats. We then began our week with a meditation story, “I am the Sun.” The Sparks are doing a great job finding a comfortable spot to listen, focus on our meditations, and practice their breathwork. It’s a wonderful way to start our day! We completed Sun and star colouring pages on Tuesday and Thursday while continuing our Quest theme by completing a Sun Salutation yoga sequence on Wednesday. Friday, we continued our practice of gratitude by completing an entry in our journal.
Quest
This week in Quest, we focused on stars! We started with a discussion about Earth’s closest star, the Sun! We posed the question to the learners, ‘Why is the Sun important?’ After listening to all of the learners’ great answers, we read I Am the Sun and learned more about this star at the center of our solar system. We couldn’t believe how much bigger the Sun is compared to Earth when we observed a picture of them side by side. In fact, more than a million Earths could fit inside the Sun, a fact which the Spark’s found fascinating. We also learned that Earth takes a whole year to travel around the Sun. We thought about how many times we have been around the Sun, by telling everyone how old we are! We discussed how the Sun provides the heat and light we need to grow all kinds of life here on Earth. We also thought about the question, ‘What happens when it is night? Does the Sun leave the sky?” This sparked a discussion on how Earth is always spinning and as it spins the place where we are on the planet turns away from the Sun and that is when it gets dark outside. This also led to talking about the seasons and how depending on where we live, the Sun is tilted away or towards the Sun giving us the changing seasons! So much interesting information about the Sun! We ended our learning by creating our own Sun art piece using either paint or tissue paper.
As we continued our inquiry on stars, we learned that they are composed of fiery, hot gas, which disappointed one Spark who wanted to land on a star someday! We were also amazed to learn that stars can be white, yellow, red and blue and come in many different sizes. While reading Our Stars, we learned about pictures in the night sky, called constellations. We also learned about comets, meteors, and satellites, with some Sparks sharing what they have seen in the night sky! We then set out with stickers to make a famous constellation, The Big Dipper! Next up on our star book list was, How to Catch a Star, which got our imaginations warmed up! We then split into teams of four and reviewed some of the constellations we have been learning about, such as the Big and Little Dipper, Orion, Taurus the Bull, and Gemini the Twins. Using our posters as references, the teams set out to work together and create these constellations using toothpicks and marshmallows. There was a lot of excellent cooperation and communication throughout the activity. We are also on writing labels for our creations and cannot wait to show them off at Exhibition! On Friday, it was time to use our creativity to create an imagined constellation. We thought about what picture our group of stars could make and gave it a unique name!
This week, we enjoyed having the Discovery learners help us create papier-maché planets and paint them accurate colours. Thank you to all the Discovery Rebels who helped us with this big project!
French
This week in French class, the Sparks carried on with their learning of the alphabet. We began on Monday with the letter G. We read La Grenouille Trop Vorace by Isabelle Pin and Salina Yoon, and looked at a few words starting with the letter G: garçon, grenouille, guitare, gorille and glace. After we completed our letter G sheet on Tuesday, we played a fun round of Zingo! On Wednesday and Thursday, we learned about the letter H. In French, the letter H is silent. This means that, when we say a word beginning with the letter H, the first sound we hear comes from the second letter. Here are some French words that begin with H : homme, hérisson, hippopotame, hélicoptère, hôpital.
Additional Highlights
There were so many fun highlights in the Spark studio this week! Our animal washing play station, outdoor fun with our new scooters, and using our yoga spinner and laughing while we completed partner poses and showed off their endurance were just a few! We also loved conducting two science experiments with one of our Exploration Rebels. We learned about and created the layers of the Earth using Play-Doh and also completed a Magic String experiment where we tested how we could stick string to ice using salt. We ended our week with a new routine. Together we relaxed by taking three deep breaths. We reflected on our day and gave a thumbs up, down or in the middle based on how we felt. We then talked about letting go of something that bothered us today and chose whether or not we wanted to share it with the group. We ended by recognizing a positive moment from our day, either thinking about it privately or sharing if comfortable. Lastly, we set up our brooder, which is the home for the baby chicks once they leave the incubator. We will be watching this weekend and hope we will have some chicks make an appearance by Monday!
Discovery Studio
Mindfulness
Rebels participated in a guided visualization meditation on Monday morning, where they walked through an enchanted fall forest to a waterfall. They focused on relaxing their bodies and staying in the present moment in their mind. On Tuesday and Thursday the yogi Rebels focused on how their bodies feel in the poses and how to match the breath to the movement for the best experience. Mindful colouring on Wednesday and Friday mornings was free choice using any of the prompts from the year so far, including Norval Morriseau’s pages, the mandala/circle game or inspirational quotes.
Launches
On Monday, we read the book The Empty Pot and discussed the importance of honesty. Rebels felt that honesty was necessary if you want to be trusted and feel good about yourself. We talked about the times when it is challenging to be honest and whether or not there is a difference between telling the truth and being honest. On Tuesday, the Rebels talked about their weekend with Mme Marie and watched a “mimistoire,” a cute short story narrated by children. This week’s mimistoire was about a goblin witch who turned into a human! Wednesday’s launch put the Rebels on the “moon camp” that the European Space Agency and other countries imagined. Rebels had to decide in advance if they would want to live at the camp or not and then explain their stance after getting more information from the TedEd video. On Thursday, we learned about a recent initiative to clean up water pollution called #TeamSeas where every dollar donated goes towards removing a pound of pollution. This Rebel-led launch stimulated a great discussion about different levels of responsibility for proper waste management and recycling systems from individual to local to corporate. Friday’s Current Events update included a CBC Kids interview with an infectious disease doctor about the potential COVID-19 vaccine for 5 to 11-year-olds. We also learned about surgery on an electric eel from Zoo Miami and the largest dwarf planet in the Kuiper belt (Pluto).
Reader/Writer
On Monday, the Aim and Release Rebels mainly used their time to work on their Field Trip to the Moon storylines. A few also practiced their spelling words and completed a writing choice board option. With the help of their peers, the learners are starting to get the hang of adding dialogue to their stories while using quotation marks and punctuation. Draw and Anchor Rebels began their Reader/Writer class a trip on the Magic School Bus, Lost in the Solar System read aloud. After discussing the fictional and factual information presented, learners had time to work on their spelling words and their Night Zookeeper challenges.
French
This week, Discovery Rebels had their first French spelling test. We spent most of Tuesday’s class practicing writing five words beginning with the CH sound. At the end of the class, we read a few pages from Le Dictionnaire des Sorcières. On Thursday, Rebels were tested on their spelling, and it was a great success! The Rebels all did an amazing job preparing on Tuesday and showed great focus during the test. Afterward, we worked on our vocabulary sheet as well as a fun colour-by-numbers page.
Math Lab
This week in Math Lab, Rebels focused on the mathematical process of reasoning and proving. As they worked through their Guided Weekly Challenge in small teams, we pointed out examples of each of the four steps of this process: conjecture, testing, finding evidence and justifying. Draw and Anchor Rebels had to map out a specific family garden plot using geoboards and grids while meeting specific requirements for each family member. They used their knowledge of shapes, area, and fractions to guess and check which arrangements might work. In Aim and Release, Rebels attempted increasingly tricky levels of Youcubed’s paper folding task. They, too, had to rely on their understanding of geometry, area, and fractions. They tried to be both convincing of their potential folded solutions and critically skeptical of others’ proposals.
Physical Development
On Monday, Rebels chose between three different options. Some Rebels joined Mr. Deagan for a hike, others played a game of touch football outside led by an Exploration Rebel, while the rest played Sabakiball in the gym. On Wednesday, Rebels had the option of another crisp fall hike with Mr. Deagan or to participate in circuit training with Ms. Mel, led by Exploration Rebels. The circuit had four stations (arms, legs, cardio and core), each with a series of exercises. Rebels focused on completing the workout safely, following cue cards to perform movements in ways that protect and strengthen their bodies!
Quest
This week Rebels completed Space Mission 287RA: Operation Planet Deep Dive by researching the outer planets of the solar system (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune). Additionally, some participated in a Special Joint Task Force with the Spark Studio, creating papier-maché replicas of each of the eight planets that we have studied. Many Rebels also sought and organized information about the dwarf planets or completed other reach-ahead tasks like exploring moon phases, tides, types of stars, eclipses and more. The work produced by the NASA Rebel Recruits has been held to high standards: complete and accurate characteristics and measurements for all eight planets, with varied and detailed diagrams and images of each, with high-quality sources being consulted. All Rebels who have completed this part of the mission will be granted Top Secret Security Clearance and be promoted to the Special Space Agent Task Force next week. Results of this confidential investigation will be revealed at our second Exhibition on Monday, November 22: the Revel Academy Space Symposium.
Civilizations
As Rebels continue to work away on their Ancient Egyptian artifacts, we have started to consider the approval process for the STEAM 100 Points Project Challenge more closely. Each completed task will be awarded points based on time spent, quality and complexity. Some Rebels are choosing to complete one or two small works each week to add up to the 100 point total over the session, while others are working in pairs or groups on larger-scale projects, backed by in-depth research to earn their 100 points all-in-one! We can not wait for you to see their creativity be it mini or massive!
Additional Highlights
The past two weeks have featured Rebel read-alouds during DEAR time by our very own Rebel Librarians. Thank you, Rebels for keeping our shelves stacked well and sharing your love of books with us!
Exploration Studio
Flex Tuesdays
This week, Deagan pitched an idea called “Flex Tuesdays” for the remainder of the session. As all of the learners are now in very different positions regarding their various projects with varying priorities, Tuesday will be a series of work periods for the duration of the day. Therefore, during Core Skills, Documentary, Podcasting, and Elective/Apprenticeship Prep) we are giving the learners more freedom and flexibility with how they spend their day. On Tuesday, after launch, the learners will set their intentions for the day on a communal spreadsheet. If learners want to spend the whole day finishing their Deep Book and writing the review, they can do that. If they’re going to work on their Elective first thing in the morning and do their Core Skills in the afternoon, that can be done as well. We are hoping the increased freedom level will help the learners develop prioritization and time management skills.
Math Lab
Welcome to the Dear Data project! This week, Rebels were introduced to the year-long analog data drawing project by Giorgia Lupi and Stefanie Posavec, two award-winning information designers. After hearing about the project aims and viewing some Dear Data project postcards, we reviewed the Data Cycle (Step 1. Formulate Statistical Investigative Questions (SIQs) Step 2. Collect/Consider the data, Step 3: Analyze data and Step 4: Interpret and communicate data.) As a group, we then brainstormed a list of potential SIQs, thought through what would “count” in each instance and ways to take our SIQs further. Rebels then met in small groups to choose an SIQ and decide how to collect their data over the next week.
Our Problem of the Week also had Rebels scratching their heads as they used geometry and algebra to find the solution. Two of the Exploration Rebels were able to figure out the answer and one was awarded this week’s Golden Dumpling!
French
In French class this week, Exploration Rebels picked their teams and articles for their ghost town magazine. On Monday, we played our first rounds of Loup-Garou, a game in which a village must protect itself from werewolf attacks! On Wednesday, we came up with our objectives and the calendar for the remainder of Session 2. We then dove into our grammar subject for the session: adjectives. Rebels learned that adjectives agree in gender and number in French with the nouns they refer to. They are usually placed after the noun, but not always. After watching a few explanatory videos, we started our first exercise sheet on adjectives called “Le Monstre Poilu.”
Documentary
This week is treaties week in Canada. To honour the treaties we have signed with the First Nations people, we overviewed the topic of treaties with a discussion. We also watched a small clip of a documentary titled “Trick or Treaty” that explored Treaty Number Nine and its legacy on the people of Northern Ontario.
Quest
Other than a significant period of time to independently work on the writing and recording of each learner’s projects, Quest this week had another focus. Deagan has a friend who took podcasting courses recently and created her own in the process. We listened to the podcast and then, on Thursday, interviewed the podcaster with questions that the learners have been curious about while creating their own podcasts. The learners’ big takeaway was that editing the podcast takes as long as the podcast’s ideating, scriptwriting, and recording. There are only nine podcast periods left until Exhibition, so everything will be ramping up next week.
Apprenticeship Prep / Elective
If you haven’t, it’s time to check in with your learner about where they are with either Apprenticeship or Elective. Deagan is having one-on-one meetings with learners who do not have a confirmed apprenticeship yet, identifying places to email or call, and brainstorming additional avenues. For those who have an internship already, this period is largely a work period for the different projects people are developing.
Physical Development
Throughout the week, we have different options for PD, with a hike being offered both days and then some sport or circuit training. This week on our Monday, one group played football, another played Saskiball, and the third group found a lean-to in the woods, hiding in the fall leaves on their hike. PD is an excellent opportunity to get off our screens and engage with one another through physical movement.
Launchpad
Project X
This week, learners used their Project X time to choose their final project topic and learn more about the final presentation requirements. Rebels began their research with the remaining time, locating charts, graphs, and articles that provided evidence for their predictions.
Indigenous Canada
This week in our University of Alberta Indigenous Canada course, we looked critically at the statement, “Cities are the place where Aboriginal culture goes to die.” Before taking our unit test on the material, we learned more about urban Aboriginal agency/active participation, urban Aboriginal governance practices, and urban reserves.
Chemistry
After learning about the Key Laws of Chemistry, including the Law of Conservation of Mass, Combustion, Law of Definite Proportion, and Law of Multiple Proportion, Rebels completed a practice set. To further their understanding, they conducted an experiment to prove the Law of conservation of Mass. Launchpad learners also learned about alchemy as a form of early modern chemistry. From attempting to create the so-called Philosopher’s Stone and change metals such as lead into gold, these scientists heavily coded their work in symbols and metaphors to prevent backlash from the church and keep the uninitiated from penetrating their secrets. Rebels had the opportunity to decode and decipher a real guide to creating the Philosopher’s Stone using what they knew about different symbols for the various metals and chemical processes.
World Building
This week Exploration Rebels put the final touches on the rough drafts of their world maps. The cartographers mapped out all of their borders and landmarks before beginning to create their final drafts using the light table. William also joined us for our weekly Dungeons and Dragons session on Friday!
Geography/Cartography
Rebels had the opportunity to explore areas of individual interest this week as they chose between four available topics. On Monday, they picked between the Canadian Arctic, the history of the Northwest Passage and the importance of maintaining a strong Canadian presence in the northern region or delving into the Arctic Ocean, the extent of Arctic sea ice, and how the Earth’s changing climate impacts both the Arctic and global systems. Tuesday, the options were between human movement and population control. With the urgency of climate change on our minds, cities across Canada promote public and active transportation as an alternative mode of transportation to private vehicles. Rebels, therefore, examined the way we move from one place to another in our daily lives and how we can lessen our impact on the environment by making better decisions every day. The other option was to look at government policies such as immigration and birth rate in Canada and China that are used to solve their population growth issues.
Additional Highlights
Sometimes you just need a cereal break! This week the Launchpad Rebels enjoyed a “Celebration of Life” as we discussed our progress and goals and the worlds we are building!
This year one of our Launchpad Rebels is the coordinator of the Ottawa Children’s Business Fair! This week they were able to confirm our date, location, update the event website and open up registration. We can’t wait to see what the young entrepreneurs of Ottawa come up with this year!
Potential Discussion Ideas or Questions to Ask your Rebel:
Spark:
Let’s talk about the Sun! Why do we have night and day? What about the seasons? How many times have you been around the Sun? Do you know how often your mom/dad/grandpa/grandma/sibling has been around the Sun?
Can you tell us about the constellation that you created? What was it a picture of? What is its name?
Spark French:
Which French words begin with the letter G?
What sound does the letter H make in French?
Discovery:
Draw and Anchor - Did you solve the Garden Map in Math Lab? How do you know?
Aim and Release - Which level did you get to in the paper folding task? How do you know?
CIV - How many points do you think you will earn for the STEAM 100 Point Project Challenge?
Quest - Do you think you will be promoted to the Special Space Agent Task Force next week?
French - What are some ways that you prepared for the spelling test? Were some words more difficult to remember than others?
Exploration:
What is your SIQ for the Dear Data Project? How will you collect your data? What will count as your data?
Do you feel that you will be more or less productive on Flex Tuesdays, where you have more control over what to accomplish throughout the day?
Which page of the French magazine will you be working on? What topic would you like to explore?
Launchpad:
What themes can you identify in your current Deep Book? Are you enjoying the plot, character development, or writing style more?
What were the results of your Conservation of Mass experiment?
Dates of Interest
Thursday, Nov 11th - Remembrance Day
Friday, Nov 12th - Wild Bird Care Centre visit with Indigo the Kestrel
Monday, Nov 22nd - Discovery Exhibition
Tuesday, Nov 23rd - Exploration Exhibition
Wednesday, Nov 24th - Spark Exhibition
Thursday, Nov 25th - Friday, Nov 26th - Camp