8th grade students traveled to New York City for an immersive experience centered around the United Nations. In addition to touring the UN Headquarters, the class also explored the city, participated in a UN simulation, and bonded with one another ahead of their upcoming 8th Grade Promotion.
It was really cool touring the UN. We were seeing all of these pictures of it at school but seeing it in person–and seeing how big it is–was awesome.
-Andrew Isacson ’28
Students started the year with a module focused on global citizenship, challenging them to consider how they can engage with social, political, environmental, and economic happenings around the world. These themes were expanded upon throughout the year, with students learning about how the United Nations addresses global issues by leveraging collaboration and cooperative conflict resolution. Students also participated in UN simulations at Beaver to develop a deeper understanding of global citizenship.
There is nothing like seeing a place you are learning about in person. Every students’ understanding of the United Nations was enhanced by this trip. Additionally, the community-building (especially at the end of 8th grade) is a beautiful bonus.
-Kristin FitzGerald and Megan Wu Macomber, trip organizers
At the UN, tour guides led three groups throughout the building. A major highlight of the tour involved seeing iconic spaces such as the General Assembly and Security Council halls as well as the designated entrance for delegates. Students also identified a plethora of famous art pieces throughout the tour, including Non-Violence by Carl Frederik Reuterswärd and War & Peace by Candido Portinari. “Students reflected on how connected the tour felt to what they had already learned in class,” organizers of the trip remark. “Seeing the spaces and the art in person made it all more ‘real’.”
After grabbing a bite to eat, students settled into the hotel conference hall to engage in a UN simulation focused on climate change. Diving into the activity so soon after touring the United Nations provided more context and inspiration for students, making the simulation all the more engaging. “Prior to our simulation, the eighth grade had taken time to study the actual United Nations in addition to climate change in their own assigned countries,” Sam Singer ’28 mentions. “A grade-wide simulation like ours really pushed me and many of my classmates to take notes and inform themselves on the effects and proposed solutions to this pressing issue.”
With a ban on phones in place for the entire experience, students got creative with how they passed time on the bus and in the hotel; books, cameras, journals, and vintage gaming devices were commonplace. Many students mentioned that these transitional moments were some of their favorites from the experience, especially the long walk from the UN to the hotel. As Andrew Isacson ’28 states, “seeing New York and being with my friends was my favorite part.”
Past educational value, the overnight trip offered me an opportunity to bond with my friends, teachers, and other classmates. Overnight trips require another level of responsibility, and this push was what ultimately allowed me to grow a stronger connection with those who travelled with me.
-Sam Singer ’28
Students will walk away from the experience not only with a greater understanding of the UN, but also a deeper connection to their peers and the Beaver community.