What it is
15-minute (or less!) creation stations—with stickers & sweets—throughout the Research + Design Levels, hosted by the R+D Center team, SAGA, and SBAC
When it’s happening
Monday, February 14 from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Middle School students can attend during recess; Upper School students can attend anytime from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Who can attend
Students, faculty, staff
The Activities
ON THE Research Level
Communal Mural
Hosted by: NG, R+D Team
About the activity: My activity is all about creating one piece of art out of all of our individual experiences of love. We will be using transparent squares to draw or write about someone or something that you love; when they are all complete, they will hang in a mosaic on the Research Level.
Origami Twist Note
Hosted by: Sara Kelley-Mudie, Librarian and Educational Technology Specialist
About the activity: My station is all about folding paper in interesting ways. My mom first taught me to fold an Origami crane when I was nine, and I’ve been folding ever since. I recently learned how to make these twist notes and I love to use them as a unique envelope for notes, gift cards, or other little treats.
ON THE Design Level
Light Painting
Hosted by: Zoz Brooks, Innovator in Residence
About the activity: My activity is all about manipulating light to create a photographic image with a colorful overlay.
Art of Code
Hosted by Morgan Muschamp, Engineering Teacher + R+D Team
About the activity: You’ll learn how to make art with code!
One Heart, Two Hearts
Hosted by Karen Jiang, R+D Team
About the activity: My activity is all about creating handwritten letters for Valentine’s Day! Writing and/or receiving a sincere letter from a dear friend or colleague is a moment we can all cherish. I have always been interested in the way we use writing to capture our own feelings. Writing becomes both a form of expression and an instrument of vocalization. Through writing, I hope you will be able to express your own love to those around you.
Pop-Up Valentines
Hosted by Amelia Walske, Visual Arts Teacher/R+D Team
About the activity: My station is making Pop-Up Valentines for friends and family. Over the last few years, I have not been able to see many of my friends and family, and I have found that giving handmade cards is a great way to stay connected. Pop-Up cards are even more special because they have an element of surprise!
Flower Power
Hosted by Blake St. Louis, Director of the R+D Center
About the activity: My activity is all about creating your own Valentine’s Day bouquet using paper flowers. I’m really curious to learn more about gardening and plants. Living in an apartment with limited outdoor space is a challenge, so I’m exploring more in-door plant options. I also love going for walks around my neighborhood to check out the gardens and noticed that many homes have “Native Pollinator Garden” signs in their flower beds. These gardeners are members of the Somerville Garden Club, a nonprofit that’s committed to growing native plants that help the local ecosystem of pollinators (bees, caterpillars, and other insects) thrive.