Revel Recap: December 11 - 15, 2023
Spark Studio
Mindfulness
It was another snowy, cozy start Monday morning for the Sparks. Everyone gathered and shared their weekends before working on dinosaur and volcano-themed mindful colouring pieces. On Tuesday, the Sparks decorated holiday sweaters using various materials while listening to music playing in the background. When they finished, there was a station for snowflake decorating. On Wednesday, the Sparks followed two learners instructing yoga. They used the Yoga Pretzel cards to prompt their lesson, and all of the Sparks did their best to move their bodies and set the tone for their daily learning adventures. Thursday, we decided to turn it up a notch in the morning and make music. Using the Boomwhackers, the Sparks played holiday songs and some of their favourite Disney music. To end the week, we filled out gratitude stockings where the Sparks wrote everything they were thankful for during this holiday season.
Art
We decked out our shelves with holiday trees to bring more holiday cheer into the studio. The Sparks used interior wallpaper designs to cut colours they liked and decorate their trees. Each tree had a topper and skirt, and some of the favourite colour themes chosen were silvers, reds, and polka dots.
Quest
On Monday, Dazzle the Dino gave us a hint about this week's Quest! The Sparks are experimenting with volcanos using flour, water, baking soda and vinegar. What is a volcano? The Sparks came up with two facts about volcanoes and drew a picture. The learners then experimented with creating salt dough to mould their own volcano. Once we baked and cooled the volcanos, the Sparks took the time to paint them. Near the end of the week, we moved our focus towards paleontologists - their field of study and what tools they use. (Unsurprisingly, some of our learners have even considered becoming paleontologists!) The Sparks labelled many tools used when extracting fossils. They then went into the lab to remove their fossils, which, due to the depth, will require more excavation work next week.
Math
For our weekly math gathering, we continued to practice counting by twos and began by listening to a song to hear the rhythm of the skip-counting pattern. The learners then had to reassemble a set of numbers in order, counting by 2s. To end the lesson, the Sparks broke off into groups. They used rocks to symbolize their numbers, counting by 2s to 20. Each member in the group took a turn counting to 20, and they did it all together.
French
On Monday, we read the book «Le cadeau des affreux» by Meritxell Marti, and on Tuesday, we completed a Christmas colouring to review our holiday vocabulary. We practiced our holiday songs for Exhibition during Wednesday's class, and on Thursday, we took our French learning to the gym, where we reviewed our numbers, colours, and new vocabulary by playing Babord-tribord.
Writing Workshop
To continue our book study, We Don't Eat Our Classmates, we worked on re-telling the story and story events. On Tuesday, the Sparks recapped the storyline, detailing the beginning, middle, and end. Each learner wrote a sentence describing what happened during each part of the book. On Thursday, the Sparks came up with three events in the story. For example, Penelope's finger gets bit by the fish! The Sparks always find this part of the story silly and love to say, "CHOMP!"
Additional Highlights
With the Exhibition only one week away, the Sparks are hard at work! Their dedication throughout their work periods and participation in storytelling, math, and art workshops have Candy Cane Lane sprouting candy canes daily! The learners have enjoyed listening to all the holiday books being read throughout the week, including Bambi the Wonderful Winter Tree, Toy Story - a Toy Christmas Tree, and There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow!
The Sparks' acts of kindness were easily witnessed throughout the week, from holding doors open, sharing warm smiles, and making each other's day a little brighter by inviting them into play! The Lego countdown calendar has been a source of daily excitement that each Spark takes turns opening. From dinosaurs, bugs, ocean creatures, and many more, our window ledge is full of wonderful Lego designs! Speaking of dinosaurs, Dazzle the Dino made a couple of visits around the community this week! Make sure to ask your learner what Dazzle was up to!
This week, we used our pattern blocks to build hot chocolate, penguins, mittens, pinecones, and much more, and with a shelf full of loose parts, we used the materials to decorate snowflakes! To end the week, we were challenged to decorate a tree using a list of objects that added up to 100!
We are all so excited to welcome you to our Holiday Exhibition next week!
Discovery Studio
Mindfulness
On Monday morning, the Rebels took charge of the mindfulness block and journaled a variety of mantras aimed at helping them maintain a growth mindset throughout the week. After ten minutes, Rebels shared their mantras with each other before jumping into Core Skills. Tuesday's mindfulness block included zen doodles, sticker puzzles, dot-to-dots and "smudge circle creations." For Wonder Wednesday, the Rebels watched a video about the science behind snowflakes and then made some paper snowflakes to decorate the studio for our Exhibition of Learning next week. On Thankful Thursday, we filled our "stockings" with gratitude, and the Rebels not only coloured in beautiful socks but also listed many things they are thankful for - Revel, family, friends, and special events around this time of year. For Feel-Good Friday, the Rebels warmed up with their Boomwhacker scales and chords and then performed a lovely rendition of Feliz Navidad!
Launches
What is civility? Early in the week, we launched with this question, and the Rebels discussed how civility shows up (or not) in our studio. On Tuesday, we continued refining our understanding with examples of interactions, especially how even the tone of voice can make or break a civil conversation. The Rebels then designed an experiment building from a Rebel-led Launch about accountability. They have committed to GIVE at least one Rebel Buck to another Rebel each day for the remainder of the session. During Wednesday's Squad Check-ins, Rebels reflected on how many of their weekly goals were completed by that point and had a fun connect conversation about which animal they would be if they could! Thursday's Launch focused on Tuckman's model of Nurturing a Team to High Performance, and Rebels reflected on where they thought the studio and Squads were at according to Tuckman's Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing and Adjourning tool as we come to the end of Session 3. Friday's Current Events featured some holiday Liz Climo cartoons, baby Peruvian Leopards, and the viral Hogwarts Gingerbread House.
Reader/Writer
Rebels worked on finishing touches and edits of their fictional stories for one final period. After submitting their book for publication and printing, Rebels had the opportunity to choose from two Rebel Buck Writing activities: Holidays Around the World (selecting a country to research and write about special holiday traditions that are unique to that country or culture) or Redesign Santa's Sleigh (create a persuasive pitch for a new model of Santa's Sleigh; thinking about communication, GPS and mapping, additional technological features and comfortability). We look forward to showcasing our fictional stories at Exhibition next week!
Math Lab
This week, everyone worked incredibly well as Mathematician Detectives to explore "What's wrong?!" To launch this week's lab, Rebels reviewed some important operational strategies for addition. A few volunteers came up to demo their preferred addition strategy. Then we debriefed each and named it, also giving feedback if there were any conceptual (correct numbers, wrong moves) or computational (right moves, wrong numbers) errors. From there, we broke into two smaller groups, and the Rebels spent time with Ms. Mel in the Detective Lab, working through their constables' case files. They reviewed the problem-solving carefully, looking for the one that made the right moves with the correct numbers. When they weren't in the lab, they had more time to continue their error analysis problem packs, and if done, they could work on the Problem of the Week. In both cases, Rebels worked hard to show their thinking and check their calculations using repeated addition strategies for multiplication, making concrete models using Base Ten Blocks, and some even wrote abstract equations to represent their thinking. Fabulous job, Rebels!
French
We continued working on our holiday vocabulary and practicing our songs this week. We've also been reviewing French pronunciation and letter combinations, including ou, ai, ei, en, on, ouille, aille, with the help of some games!
Civilizations
Having studied the rise and fall of many other empires, this week, the Rebels were able to make connections with the story of the rise of the Ottoman Empire and the fall of Constantinople. We learned about Mehmed the Conqueror's strategy for overtaking Constantinople and, ultimately, how some say this marked the end of the Middle Ages. Rebels discussed the qualities of the Turkish military, debating whether it was the advancement of cannonballs, trust developed with the Byzantine emperor, or hiring mercenaries that allowed for their success. We mapped the borders of the Ottoman Empire circa 1444 CE and noted the change from Constantinople to Istanbul.
Quest
Who bit the cheese?! That's right, in Quest this week, the Rebels began by investigating the science behind bitemark and dental identification. They used styrofoam cups to take impressions of their teeth and measure the width and depth of the bite marks. On Tuesday, the Rebels started exploring DNA and prepared their lab to conduct a DNA extraction experiment. Wednesday, they had time to work through the investigation step-by-step: precisely measuring water in millilitres and salt in tablespoons, swishing the salt solution in their cheeks, adding clear dish soap to their cup and then carefully pouring a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and food colouring on top. They were very excited to see strings and clumps forming after a minute or two!
On Thursday, we started to compile new detective training guides summarizing everything the Rebels have learned in the past few weeks. They also began planning what they would like to display at next week's Exhibition and built a fabulous playlist for the dance party! Next week, we hope to have the chance for the teams to exchange their dental impressions (and one piece of cheese with a bite mark as evidence) to determine who the mystery biter was!
Physical Development
PD on Tuesday and Thursday this week was filled with fun options! Learners who chose to go outside played soccer and basketball. Those who stayed in the gym played a new game of tag that the learners made up called Meko Tag, as well as some classic favourites such as Octopus, Red Light, Green Light and Musical Chairs!
Exploration
Mindfulness and Launch
We began our week with a peaceful "fire" crackling in the background as we completed holiday dot-to-dots or sticker art. We then introduced ourselves to our newest Rebel and answered a question chosen at random to get to know one another better. On Tuesday morning, the Rebels voted for the Core Sculptor Pilates routine! With each exercise, we focused on matching their breath to the movement and completing each in a slow and controlled manner. What if you could unlock the secrets to constructing valid arguments and detecting false ones? After our time in the gym, Rebels learned about syllogisms. Although "syllogism" may sound complex, it describes a straightforward concept people often use that consists of three parts: a major premise (the general statement), the minor premise (a specific statement based on the major premise), and a conclusion (a deductive logical inference drawn from the major and minor premises). We used our Mindfulness and Launch time to watch the beautiful Oscar winner for the Best Animated Short Film: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse. Full of lovely messages, this short film was a peaceful and uplifting way to start our Wednesday. After our yoga on Thursday, we tackled a conundrum. We discussed and debated which of three futures we would prefer to see: one where humans can communicate with all types of animals, another where humans can bring once-extinct animals back to life, and lastly, a future where humans discover millions of new species of animals on other worlds. While the vast majority leaned in one direction at the beginning of the discussion, all of the Rebels provided great reasons for their choice, making all of us question our original vote. After Free Choice Friday, our Rebel-led Current Events team taught us about the hagfish, menstrual products in government restrooms, and what is happening in the world of sports.
French
This week, we practiced the difference between the subjunctive and the conditional by writing a letter to Santa Claus. We then created two conversation games to practice asking and answering questions to improve our small talk skills for the holidays. We started writing letters to the children staying at Ronald McDonald House on Thursday to bring some cheer hopefully!
Quest - Chemistry of Cookies
This week in Quest, Rebels took their key takeaways from Weeks 1 and 2 to create their first batch of cookies, with each team using a slightly different recipe to explore the Maillard Browning Reaction. What properties of the cookies change when you use white sugar instead of brown sugar? What's the difference between baking soda and baking powder? What effect does one have over the other on dough texture? Which cookies tasted the best? What ingredients did that recipe contain compared to the others? What is the critical difference between caramelization and the Maillard Reaction? Rebels spent Day 2 reviewing their observations and opinions to link the chemistry to the cookies. After each Chef Squad got to practice some of their Jeopardy Flashcards to prep for next week's Exhibition, they returned to the kitchen on Day 3 and 4 with a new Sugar Cookie recipe to pass along to our friends at Highjinx! To wrap up the week, Rebels began planning their Exhibition dough and decorations for their final batches of cookies. We look forward to seeing everyone for some delicious treats and trivia next Tuesday!
Math Lab
This week, the Rebels had time to finish their third and final ALT recipe of the session. Using their family's favourite recipe from the Reader/Writer Studio Cookbook project, they needed to adjust it to serve precisely ten guests. Rebels had access to a three-step procedure to effectively increase or decrease recipes if required at this point for any of the ALT recipe tasks. Step one is to find the conversation factor. To do this, they need to start with the desired number of servings and divide it by the number of servings in the original recipe. Then, step two is to apply the conversation factor to each ingredient. Depending on the ingredient and amount, many needed to engage operations with fractions! Finally, in step three, Rebels must reflect on their final amount and ensure it's written in logical, measurable units. For example, if an adjusted recipe now calls for six teaspoons, saying two tablespoons may be more practical.
Reader/Writer
Rebels used their final work period to add final touches to their Studio Cookbook recipes. Focusing on The Six Traits of Writing Techniques, specifically incorporating 'voice' in our writing, Rebels attempted to personalize descriptions of cooking instructions that reflected their interests, personalities, and tone of voice. Instead of "bake for 6-8 minutes", learners recommended, "pop it in the oven for 6-8 minutes, or just under the time it takes to serve a penalty for talking back to a ref!" Instead of "Best Banana Bread," learners changed the title to "Better Than Your Grandma's Banana Bread!" Rebels who finished early had the opportunity to Rebel Edit another peer's work or dive into some Rebel Buck Writing activities featuring a persuasive writing challenge that required learners to create a Real Estate listing for a Gingerbread Mansion. We look forward to presenting our Studio Cookbook at Exhibition next week.
Civilization
This week, we learned about the Balfour Declaration at the end of World War I, which became a stepping stone to the founding of Israel thirty years later. All of our discussions have been incredibly difficult based on current events. The Rebels, however, have approached each conversation respectfully and want to understand the complexity and history of the conflict. On Thursday, we turned to the Russian Revolution of 1917, learning about how Lenin overthrew Russian Czar Nicholas II and founded the Soviet Union, changing the course of Russian politics. Rebels spent significant time debating whether Lenin was a hero who toppled an oppressive tyranny or a villain who replaced it with another. As a farmer in Russia in 1917, would they have supported Lenin, who was preaching "Bread, Peace, and Land," or stick with the Tsar, who was widely seen as ill-prepared to keep up economically in the 20th century?
Additional Highlights
We have focused on team-building or spirit-lifting games at each Closing this week. Between Skribl.io, "Get on the Boat," and a rousing game of dreidel, each day ended with laughter! Here's to a great last week of Session 3 and 2023!
Launchpad
Adulting 101
On Monday, learners began their Adulting Quest by reading a few articles on how to prepare for emergencies. Based on where they are living in the simulation, they then researched the most common forms of natural disasters and how to protect themselves should one occur. What supplies should they have on hand? What could they do at home to help their family prepare for an emergency in Ottawa?
While there is no substitute for taking a First Aid course, Rebels were asked what steps they should take in a series of common first aid scenarios. Learners were also able to provide a list of emergency numbers that they should have on hand, recognizing when they should use each one.
On Tuesday, we turned our attention to plumbing! After watching a couple of tutorials, we went to the kitchen sink to locate the p-trap and trap arm, took the p-trap off, emptied it, and reassembled the sink. We then went to the bathroom to learn how to turn the toilet tank water off, identify the parts inside the tank, and practice unclogging the toilet with the help of a plunger.
On Wednesday, Launchpad Rebels took time to research car purchases. While we will visit a dealership in the new year, for now, they were asked to choose a used or new (gas) vehicle and figure out how much it would cost to drive from home to school and work each day. Using an online loan calculator, they also calculated their monthly payments for a five-year loan with a 7% interest rate. If they had time, they also needed to price out their insurance costs each month.
Next, they read about electric vs. gas vehicles and the realities of owning an EV. Using a given link, they picked out an EV to research the base price, range (km/charge), MPGe, battery size, cost to charge from dead to full, and insurance costs. With their research complete for both cars, learners had a series of questions to think through to determine which car they felt was best suited to their driving habits, finances, and environmental impact.
The Ottawa Fire Department visited us on Thursday to talk about fire safety and how to use a fire extinguisher, and they walked us through various scenarios we may encounter. We learned that most fires in Ottawa begin in the kitchen and what steps to take when a fire alarm goes off. The videos that demonstrated what happens when you put water on a grease fire, and the flashover rate of synthetic materials vs. natural were very impactful for the learners. Don't be surprised when your Launchpad Rebel starts checking your smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries and expiration dates this weekend!
Electrician Neil Clarke joined us on Friday! Neil answered our questions about common household electricity issues and how to safely check if we need to replace a lightbulb, reset the GFCI, or check the breaker. We also learned what it takes to become an electrician and the apprenticeship process. (Heads up, your learner may ask for voltage and outlet testers for Christmas!) Thank you, Neil!
Communication and Literature
One of the most important ways to make a first impression is with a stellar cover letter! Rebels read a few articles to understand the purpose and formatting before using the job description they chose for their Adulting Quest. They were welcome to use a builder to help them craft their letter; however, they needed to ensure they understood the position they were applying for and the organization's values, all while finding a way to stand out.
Personal Finance - Math Lab
What will happen when you leave home and venture into the Game of Life? The Launchpad Rebels began a two-week simulation project to test their financial literacy and decision-making skills. On Tuesday, they were given a job or career along with their annual salary, income tax rate, amount of debt, and total savings. Using that information, they needed to consolidate their debt, choosing a single loan out of three options to pay back. Once they had their loan monthly payment information, they needed to calculate their net monthly income and create a budget. With the budget set, it was time to select a plan for housing, utilities, phone, food, transportation, savings, and extras.
Once they finished all the tasks, it was time to put their choices to the test. On Thursday, they completed one simulated year, and at the end, they were given updates regarding employment, marriages, births, and potentially unforeseen obstacles. Each "year," they will need to rethink their finances again. How will our Launchpad Rebels fare in the Game of Life?!
FRENCH
This week, we practiced the difference between the subjunctive and the conditional by writing a letter to Santa Claus. We then created two conversation games to practice asking and answering questions to improve our small talk skills for the holidays. We started writing letters to the children staying at Ronald McDonald House on Thursday to bring some cheer hopefully!
World History
Why did the Roman Republic fail? Was it a structural flaw in the design of the Government, a lack of character in Rome's leaders and citizens, or just bad luck? After completing thirty minutes of research, Launchpad Rebels assembled to discuss the fall of Rome. They debated whether the failure was due to a shift in economic, political, military, or ideological forces or the failures of a leader. The last half of the discussion focused on whether they believed that all civilizations would fall and, if so, the five signs that a civilization is in decline.
Whether you are a believer in Jesus Christ, a follower of another faith, an agnostic, or an atheist, there is no doubt the Christian religion has had a profound impact on Western civilization and the modern world. On Thursday, learners researched emergent or self-organizing systems vs. hierarchical systems before discussing why they felt Christianity spread so quickly.
Additional Highlights
This next week, Launchpad learners will be showcasing what they have learned over the past three weeks on Tuesday from 4:15 to 5:30 pm. The remainder of the week will be used to tie up loose ends, give feedback on peer writing samples, and submit all of their challenges for review. It will be a busy but fun week as we close out 2023!
Potential Discussion Ideas or Questions to Ask Your Rebel:
Spark Studio
What kinds of tools does a paleontologist use?
How is a volcano formed?
What acts of kindness did you do this week?
Has your date to pick from the Advent calendar happened yet? If so, what Lego creation did you make?
How do you say gift in French? (Cadeau)
Discovery Studio
Based on everything you've learned about forensics, what is one thing you think must be included in the Training Sheet for New Detectives?
How do you feel about your fictional story? Are you going to display it at Exhibition? Will you read it aloud to the Sparks at the next workshop? Why or why not?
What is the difference between a standard algorithm for addition and a Rebel strategy? Multiplication?
What is one example of civility you noticed or demonstrated in the studio this week?
How do you say Snowman in French? (Bonhomme de neige)
Exploration Studio
What is the Maillard Browning Reaction? What does this have to do with cookies?
What is the difference between baking powder and baking soda? Which one should you use for baking cookies, and why does it matter?
What is one example of "voice" you used in your Studio Cookbook instructions?
A basic quinoa recipe for two servings uses this ratio of quinoa to water or stock - 1 cup: 1 and ¼ cups. How much of each ingredient is needed for just one serving? How did you figure it out?
What is the purpose of the subjunctive verb tense in French? (to express a possibility)
Do you think the Russian Revolution was successful primarily because of the strains of World War I or mostly because Marxist Socialism was so appealing to Russians?
Launchpad Studio
If you were starting a transformational movement today, would you choose a command and control model (like a franchise system) or an emergent system?
Which Adulting lesson from this week will you use most often going forward? (Plumbing, fire safety, first aid, emergency preparedness, electrical problem solving, or something else?)
Have you completed Quest 1 of the Next Great Adventure?
Dates of Interest
Toy and Food Drive: December 4th - December 18th
Session 3 Exhibitions
Exploration & Launchpad: Tuesday, December 19th, from 4:15 - 5:30 pm
Joint Spark & Discovery: Wednesday, December 20th, from 4:15 - 5:30 pm
Discovery Gift Exchange: Tuesday, December 19th, 2023
Exploration and Launchpad Gift Exchange: Bring gifts on Monday, December 18th. The exchange will occur on Wednesday, December 20th
Holiday Giveaway: Closes on Friday, December 22nd