Here are some highlights from the last two weeks—September 8 through September 19—in the Upper School.
🎨 Students become teachers. In Studio Practice, a series of student-led workshops allowed classmates to share their artistic passions. The basis for the assignment was a series of conversations in which students found commonalities in their interests and past work. Students with similar skill sets teamed up to lead workshops on topics ranging from color mixing to graffiti to origami. The workshops–each roughly 15 minutes–gave students a chance to experiment with new techniques and mediums.
🔬 Science students get hands-on. Multiple science classes engaged in lab work on the same day, turning the science wing into a bustling workshop of experimentation and collaboration. In Neuroscience, students tested their reaction time by catching a ruler dropped by a partner. Measuring the distance it fell allowed them to calculate how long it took for the stimulus to reach the central nervous system, be processed by the brain, and trigger a muscular response. Meanwhile, students studying DNA and Genetics learned how to extract DNA from bacterial cells, an essential technique in biotech research. Down the hall in Chemistry Foundations, the classroom lit up as students observed the energy levels of valence electrons through a series of flame tests with metal salts.
🎭 “The spring musical is…” were the words students anticipated most as Performing Arts Officers took the stage at an Upper School meeting to announce the 25-26 season. While the announcement of Chicago did warrant a lot of excitement, it is just one of many shows to look forward to this year. To check out the entire lineup, click here!
🤖 Students sign off on AI. Students in Ms. Robertson’s Independent Research class created an AI User Agreement to outline how AI can be used in their work this term. Students researched sub-questions, presented their research, and discussed the ways in which AI can and cannot be used as a research tool. Their work was combined into a group statement that each student signed off on.
⭐️ Clubs kick off! At a course fair last week, students got a chance to preview the variety of clubs being offered this year at Beaver. Club leaders designed posters and answered questions to encourage students to get involved, explore new interests, and build community across grade levels. Clubs met for the first time this week, including several new clubs such as The Forum, the Marketing & Communications Club, and the Youth Voice Alliance.
👥 Let’s get affinitizing! Affinity Groups also kicked off the year with a fair hosted by student leaders. Unlike clubs, students can join multiple Affinity Groups, creating an opportunity to explore different interests, identities, and communities. The following week, these groups held their first meetings::
- Exploring Christianity
- Latinx
- Middle Eastern
- South Asian
- Women
- Children of Single/Divorced Parents
- Jewish
- LGBTQIA+
- Muslim
- Multiracial
🏙️ Remembering 9/11. A Mini Studio was held to discuss and honor 9/11, inviting students to share their perspectives and learn about what it was like to be a student on that day. Students watched In the Shadow of the Towers to spark a dialogue around how the day has impacted modern history and the importance of community in times of crisis.
🤩 Athletes bring the HYPE! Beaver athletes have been promoting their games and inspiring school spirit through a variety of creative (and often hilarious) ways. Varsity Girls Volleyball mandated a theme day for their team, dressing up as “soccer moms and dads” (pictured above). Other teams have made use of the Beaver Athletics Instagram, creating promotional videos and taking part in social media trends. To check out upcoming games and schedules, click here!