Unboxing Me: A Story of Who I Am & Where I’m Going

♦🎭 Questioning & Self-Reflection

Throughout this project, I used questioning to better understand my identity, values, and future aspirations. Some of the key questions that guided my reflection were:

• Who am I beyond the surface?

I explored aspects of my personality, interests, and values that define me, particularly my passion for art and storytelling.

• What goals matter to me, and why?

I reflected on my goal-setting journey—drinking more water for better health, volunteering to contribute to my community, and developing my art portfolio to prepare for my future in animation.

• How have my experiences shaped who I am today?

Looking back at past experiences, I realized how my love for creativity has been influenced by the people around me and how my involvement in volunteering has helped me grow in confidence.

• Where do I see myself going?

I thought about my aspirations, particularly my goal of studying art and animation at NYU or California arts. This question helped me identify the steps I need to take to reach that goal.

These questions made me more intentional about my learning and personal growth. Instead of just thinking about what I “should” do, I focused on what truly matters to me and why.

🎬 Using Technology to Tell My Story

Technology played a huge role in how I conceived, created, and presented my story. I used different digital tools throughout the process:

• Storyboard/Scriptwriting:

Before jumping into video creation, I mapped out my ideas using a­ script to ensure my message was clear and engaging. This helped me structure my thoughts and avoid rambling.

• Video Editing & Visual Storytelling:

I used I movie and keynote to edit my video, adding elements like music, visuals, and transitions to enhance my storytelling. I also experimented with animation and effects to bring my ideas to life.

• YouTube & Digital Sharing:

After completing my video, I uploaded it to YouTube, making it accessible to others. This was a big step for me, as sharing personal reflections publicly can feel vulnerable—but it also showed me the power of using technology to express my thoughts and inspire others.

📚 Evidence of My Learning

To show my growth throughout this project, I included evidence from different parts of my journey:

✔️ Goal-Setting Activities (WDYRW, Managing Me, Goal Tracker, Think It & Ink It activities)

• I tracked my progress toward my goals and reflected on my challenges and successes.

• Doing activities from the book helped me process my thoughts and stay motivated.

(Click HERE for the goal tracker)

✔️ Storyboard/Script

• Planning my video step-by-step allowed me to tell a cohesive and meaningful story.

✔️ Final Video

• My video captures my self-reflection and showcases my creative approach to storytelling.

📽️ My Final Unboxing Me Video

📖 Telling My Story: Who I Am & Where I’m Going

Through this project, I told a story about my identity, goals, and aspirations. My video reflects:

• Who I Am: An artist, a storyteller, a learner who is constantly growing.

• What Drives Me: My passion for art, my desire to make an impact through creativity, and my dedication to self-improvement.

• Where I’m Going: Pursuing my dreams of studying animation and continuing to build a portfolio that represents my unique artistic voice.

This project helped me see that storytelling isn’t just about words on a page or images on a screen—it’s about how we reflect, grow, and communicate our truth in a way that resonates with others.

🌟 Final Thoughts

This experience pushed me to think deeply about myself and my future. It also helped me become more comfortable using technology as a storytelling tool—something that will be valuable in my creative journey. I’m excited to take what I’ve learned and apply it as I continue working toward my goals!♥

Reflective Learning Portfolio: My Regionals DI Experience (Will update after provincials)

Creative Process

Our team went through several stages of design while creating our solution for the challenge. We started with brainstorming ideas for our 8-minute story, focusing on how “a little thing can make a big change.” After deciding on our theme, we chose music and dance as our Team Choice Elements to showcase our skills.

We experimented with different ways to integrate these elements into our story, testing various musical pieces and choreographing movements that would enhance the emotional impact. Our biggest challenge was finding the right way to create a theatrical effect for the required emotional moment. Through prototyping and testing different approaches, we finally settled on one that effectively highlighted the key turning point in our story.

Story Finding

Creating a compelling story that fit the challenge and engaged the audience was a big part of our process. We wanted our message to be clear and impactful while allowing room for creativity and performance. After brainstorming, we refined our idea through multiple drafts, adjusting dialogue, character arcs, and pacing to ensure our story flowed smoothly. We also made sure that our emotional moment was emphasized in a way that felt natural and powerful, using theatrical effects to enhance it.

Skills

Compared to last year in PLP 8, DI pushed me to build new skills that were essential for our success. One of the biggest skills I developed was adaptability—when something didn’t work, we had to quickly adjust and find another solution. I also improved my ability to plan and execute a performance, from staging to timing, ensuring that every element contributed to the overall impact of our story.

Communication and Collaboration

Collaboration was key in DI, and our team worked hard to develop strong communication skills. We practiced active listening, ensuring everyone’s ideas were heard and considered. When disagreements came up, we worked through them by discussing our different perspectives and finding compromises that strengthened our solution. Through rehearsals and feedback sessions, we learned how to support each other and improve as a team, making sure that our final performance was the best it could be.

Overall, DI Regionals was an incredible experience that challenged me creatively and helped me grow as a learner. I’m excited to take everything I’ve learned and apply it to future projects!

(Will add photos and extra post after the provincial tournament)

2025 mPOL: My Growth as a Learner

Introduction

“Thank you for coming to my presentation of learning. I am the expert on my own learning. I am also responsible and accountable for my own learning. You can expect me to give an honest evaluation of my progress. We will discuss my strengths and opportunities for growth. Thank you in advance for listening and for offering feedback that I can use to improve as a learner.”

The purpose of this reflection is to answer two essential questions:

  1. How have I demonstrated growth as a learner this year?
  1. How can I push myself out of my comfort zone to take more risks in my learning?

At the beginning of the year, I created my Vision, Mission, and Values (VMV), which focused on academic growth, personal development, and effective time management. My goal was to challenge myself, engage in learning, and prepare for future opportunities. Today, I’ll reflect on my progress in Humanities, Maker, and Science and how I will continue using my VMV strategies to finish the year successfully.

Humanities: Learning Through Challenges

This year, my Humanities projects helped me develop communication, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills.

• Peak Potential: Reading Banner in the Sky and traveling to Alberta for a field study helped me understand both mental and physical perseverance. I hiked trails ranging from 30 minutes to 6 hours, which was exhausting but rewarding. One of the biggest challenges was interviewing strangers for our video—I had to step out of my comfort zone to approach and talk to people confidently.

•Vive Les Machines a Methapors: Researching the French Revolution and creating a metaphor machine to explain its impact helped me develop my ability to translate historical concepts into visual storytelling. Presenting our project at the Winter Exhibition taught me how to engage an audience and explain complex ideas in a clear way.

• Frankenstuffies: The Rise of Change: In this project, I combined research on the Industrial Revolution with creative storytelling by designing a character from hand-sewn stuffed animals. It was fun but also challenging to stitch the character together and use green screen techniques to bring my story to life.

How I grew: I improved my public speaking, creativity, and ability to connect history to engaging narratives.

Next steps: I want to speak up more in class discussions and take a leadership role in group projects.

My individual infographic

My group’s Infographic

Maker: Developing Technical and Creative Skills

• Peak Potential (Video Focus): I created three different videos: a TikTok-style video, a silent film, and a documentary-style video with interviews. Each one taught me different editing and storytelling techniques, especially how to match visuals with tone and pacing.

• Running a Remake: My group recreated a short YouTube film, RUN, shot-for-shot. This project required detailed planning, precise camera work, and teamwork. I learned that even simple shots require many takes to get them just right.

• Unboxing Me (Ongoing Project): This project helped me reflect on my personal goals and interests. Writing a script about who I am and what I want to achieve made me think more about my future and how I can reach my goals.

 

How I grew: I became more confident in video editing, storytelling, and working with a team under tight deadlines.

Next steps: I want to experiment with more advanced editing techniques and take more creative risks in my projects.

Science: Overcoming Challenges in Hands-on Learning

• Handle with Care: I studied ecosystems by observing the ocean and documenting a food web. This project taught me how to analyze real-world environmental systems and think critically about sustainability. Creating an interactive map helped me learn how to organize and present scientific information digitally.

• Watt the Heck: I created an infographic about wind power and then built a working circuit for an Operation-style game. Understanding circuits in theory was one thing, but actually wiring them in real life was a challenge. I struggled at first, but eventually, I figured out how to troubleshoot issues and complete the project successfully.

• ChemHISTORY: Learning about ionic compounds, polyatomic compounds, and transition metals helped me understand how elements interact to form new substances.

How I grew: I improved my scientific research skills and learned to work through hands-on challenges, even when things didn’t go as planned.

Next steps: I want to ask for more help when I don’t understand something and find ways to apply my science learning to real-world situations.

Final Reflection: Connecting Back to My VMV

This year, I have grown as a learner by:

✅ Building problem-solving skills through research and hands-on projects.

✅ Taking initiative by stepping out of my comfort zone to interview people, present to an audience, and push through difficult tasks.

✅ Improving time management by balancing multiple projects and staying organized.

✅Developing resilience by working through challenges in hands-on projects, especially in science and video production.

To continue growing, I will:

✅ Take more risks by volunteering to present and lead discussions.

✅ Strengthen my technical skills in video editing and science labs.

✅ Improve my self-advocacy by asking for help and taking on more leadership roles.

Thank you for listening! I’m excited to continue growing as a learner and applying these lessons for the rest of the school year.

Weaving History into Creative Storytelling: Our Industrial Revolution Frankenstuffies

How can we, as writers, seamlessly weave historical details into our creative storytelling to convey a clear and impactful message? This question guided our latest project, where we crafted engaging stories infused with elements from the Industrial Revolution, all centered around our unique Frankenstuffies—stuffed animals we deconstructed and rebuilt into new, imaginative characters.

To bring our stories to life, we researched the Industrial Revolution, exploring its advancements, challenges, and societal impacts. Our final product was a 2-3 minute video that showcased our stories, blending historical accuracy with creative storytelling.

The Research

We began with an interactive mini-game designed to simulate the growth of a town during the Industrial Revolution. Using a blank grid, we followed prompts that instructed us to add elements such as houses, pubs, coal mines, and bridges. Each round illustrated how industrialization transformed towns and cities, giving us a basic visual understanding of urban expansion during this period.

Next, we watched a BBC documentary, The Industrial Revolution, which provided an in-depth look at the era’s technological advancements, working conditions, and economic shifts. Taking detailed notes helped us absorb key information quickly, making the research process more engaging and accessible.

Following this, we divided into groups, with each group assigned a different aspect of the Industrial Revolution to research. My group focused on Later Developments, answering the five W’s (Who, What, When, Where, and Why) to build a comprehensive understanding of our topic. Once each group completed their research, we shared our findings, ensuring everyone had a well-rounded view of the Industrial Revolution.

Creating Our Frankenstuffies

With our historical foundation set, we moved on to the most exciting part—designing and building our Frankenstuffies! I combined parts from a bear, a chicken, and an alicorn to create my character. The process involved carefully disassembling the stuffed animals and reconstructing them in a way that reflected my character’s personality and backstory. This hands-on activity allowed us to physically bring our ideas to life in a fun and creative way.

Storytelling & Character Development

Once our Frankenstuffies were complete, we turned our attention to storytelling. We started by creating character resumes, writing trivia, background details, and unique traits for our characters.

To structure our narratives, we used The Hero’s Journey template, which guided us through key storytelling stages such as The Ordinary World, The Call to Adventure, The Ordeal, and The Reward. This format provided a clear structure, helping us organize our ideas into a compelling story.

After drafting our stories, we selected a few key stages to focus on in our final videos. I chose The Ordeal, The Reward, and The Roadblock. Using these elements, I developed a pitch outlining my story, a storyboard, and the specific historical details I planned to incorporate.

Once my pitch was approved, I moved on to the filming process. I used a green screen background and stop motion animation to bring my story to life, ensuring that both the historical context and my character’s journey were visually engaging.

Final Thoughts

This project was an incredible blend of research, creativity, and hands-on storytelling. By incorporating real historical elements into our narratives, we deepened our understanding of the Industrial Revolution while crafting unique and engaging stories. The process of building Frankenstuffies, developing characters, and using stop motion animation challenged us to think critically and creatively.

Ultimately, this project demonstrated the power of storytelling as a tool for learning. By immersing ourselves in history and reimagining it through our characters, we not only conveyed a clear and impactful message but also made the past feel alive and relevant.

Electrifying Fun: Learning About Electricity

The Driving Question

How does electricity shape our society and how can we generate it more sustainably?

For this project, we designed and built our own operation-style board game by creating electrical circuits that light up a bulb when a player’s metal tweezers touch tin foil inside the game. The goal was to explore how circuits work while also making a fun, hands-on learning experience.

Building the Game

Our game started with a simple idea: using basic electrical components to create a working circuit. We used:

  • A light bulb to indicate when a circuit was completed.
  • Metal tweezers as the player’s tool.
  • Tin foil placed under the cardboard game board to complete the circuit when touched.
  • Wires, batteries, and connectors to bring everything together.

Understanding the Circuit

The core concept behind our game is a closed circuit-when the tweezers touch the foil, electricity flows, and the light bulb turns on! If there’s no contact, the circuit remains open, and nothing happens.

Sustainability and Energy Sources

As part of our learning, we also researched different sources of electricity. I focused on wind energy and created an infographic to showcase its benefits. Wind power is a clean, renewable resource that reduces our dependence on fossil fuels and helps combat climate change.

Final Thoughts

This project was a great way to combine science, creativity, and problem-solving. It helped us understand circuits in a hands-on way while also thinking about the bigger picture-where our electricity comes from and how we can make more sustainable choices.

Would you play a board game like this? Let me know what you think!

Winter Exhibition: The Revolution Metaphors

What Factors Precipitate ‘Revolution,’ and How Have They Shaped the Modern World?

Revolutions are born out of dissatisfaction. Economic disparity, political oppression, and social inequality create conditions ripe for change, and when these issues reach a tipping point, revolutions ignite. Throughout history, these movements have profoundly shaped societies, sparking transformations in government, culture, and social structures. In this project, we sought to answer the driving question: What factors precipitate ‘revolution,’ and how have they shaped the modern world? By exploring the French Revolution through Crane Brinton’s Four Stages of Revolution and George Orwell’s Animal Farm, we analyzed how revolutions evolve and how their impact reverberates across time.

The Start! 🎬

Our project began with foundational learning, where we explored Brinton’s theory and applied it to both fictional and historical examples. Animal Farm served as an allegory, revealing the cyclical nature of revolution and power. The French Revolution (The revolution me and my group were assigned) provided a concrete example of transformation, illustrating how economic collapse, political unrest, and the spread of revolutionary ideas led to sweeping changes in French society. From these studies, we gained insights into the process of transformation—how revolutions evolve through stages of crisis, reform, and recovery to reshape societies.

To process and communicate our learning, we created infographics. Each member of my group examined the French Revolution’s causes, stages, and outcomes, while as a group, we connected Brinton’s stages to historical examples and made the infographics.These visual representations helped us simplify complex theories, making connections between historical events and their broader implications.

The infographics:

Animal Farm Infographic
My individual infographic
My group’s Infographic

 

Metaphor Machines 🤖✍️

The creative centerpiece of our project was a Rube Goldberg machine, where each action metaphorically represented a significant moment in the French Revolution. For example, a marble spiraling down a ramp symbolized the economic collapse that preceded the revolution, while dominos falling under a fake knife depicted the widespread executions during the Reign of Terror. The final act of the machine illustrated Napoleon’s rise to power and the cyclical nature of revolution, with marbles returning to the beginning, showing how revolutions often restart. This machine was presented as the final product of our project during a winter exhibition, where we shared it with an audience of peers, teachers, and community members.

Our winter exhibition showcased all aspects of our project, including the Rube Goldberg machine. The videos below capture the machine in action, showing how each step metaphorically represented the French Revolution’s key events and stages. Additionally, photos of our display, including the infographics and the machine, provide a closer look at the creative process and final presentation.

Videos of the Rube Goldberg Machine in Action

 

This project reinforced that revolutions are not isolated events but ongoing processes that drive transformation. They arise from deep-seated issues, spark significant change, and leave lasting legacies. Through reading, analyzing, and creating, we came to understand the profound impact revolutions have on the modern world. Revolutions remind us that progress is often messy and nonlinear, but they are vital for societal growth. Understanding these processes helps us connect the past to the present and see our role in shaping the future.

#RunningARemake: Recreating a Short Film

🎥 Final Video

Here’s the final product of our hard work—a recreated version of RUN! From background to editing, every moment reflects what we’ve learned along the way.

My First attempt

[CLICK HERE]

This was our very first attempt at recreating the film. Watching it now, it’s incredible to see how much we improved over the course of this project. This video was the baseline that guided our creative and technical growth.

Driving Question

How might we learn video skills by recreating a short film?

Recreating a short film taught us to think like filmmakers. By analyzing the original frame by frame, we discovered the magic behind cinematic techniques. Each scene became an opportunity to experiment with new tools, solve creative challenges, and understand how every element—from camera angles to sound effects—creates a story.

Evidence of Learning

1.Technical Growth:

  1. •Camera Work: I learned how to use shot types like over-the-shoulder and close-ups to match the original scenes. Setting up the scene to evoke the same mood was a game-changer, especially for dramatic moments.

•Editing Skills: From trimming clips to adding transitions, I’ve become comfortable in editing software. Audio editing was particularly rewarding because it gave our video a polished look.

2.Team Collaboration:

•We divided roles (actor, camera man, editor) and worked together to bring the vision to life. Communication was key—whether it was suggesting creative ideas or fixing mistakes in the scene.

3.Problem-Solving:

•Not all locations or props were available, so we got creative. For example, instead of a rainy street scene, we used a spray bottle and flashlight to simulate rain under a streetlamp. It worked surprisingly well!

Reflection

This project showed me the value of iteration. Our first attempts often didn’t turn out the way we expected, but each revision helped us learn and improve. It also gave me a deeper appreciation for the art of filmmaking—every detail, no matter how small, contributes to the bigger picture.

Concepts & Competencies

•Creative Thinking:

Adapting the original film to match our resources, while still staying true to its vision.

•Critical Analysis:

Breaking down the original film’s pacing, lighting, and composition helped us replicate it more accurately.

•Technical Skills:

I’m now comfortable using editing tools, adjusting camera settings, and troubleshooting on set—skills I never imagined I’d have before this project.

Looking Forward

This project has sparked an interest in filmmaking I didn’t know I had. I can’t wait to try creating my own original short film next!

The original

 

Experiencing Take Your Kid to Work Day at DYS Architecture

“How does experiencing a workday shape our view of career choices?”

Stepping into a professional workplace offers more than just a peek behind the curtain—it provides an immersive experience that helps us understand the nuances of a career. My day at ‘DYS Architecture’ during Take Your Kid to Work Day opened my eyes to the realities of architectural work, revealing its collaborative, technical, and creative aspects. By participating in real-world activities, I could better visualize what it might be like to pursue this profession and gained clarity about the skills and interests I might need to succeed in it.

The day began with a guided tour of the DYS Architecture office. As I walked through the workspace, I noticed how intentional the design of the office was—open desks fostered collaboration, while private rooms were set aside for focused work and client meetings. This set the stage for a better understanding of how architects blend creativity and structure in their workspaces, not just their designs.

Next came one of the highlights of the day: a lunch and learn session. A private company presented a lecture on various types of bricks and their architectural applications. While I initially thought bricks were just a basic building material, I learned how their texture, color, and functionality influence the final aesthetic and structural integrity of buildings. It was fascinating to see how much thought and expertise go into materials that often go unnoticed in daily life.

Later, I had the chance to sit in on a client meeting. This was a interesting moment of the day. I witnessed firsthand how architects work closely with clients to align creative vision with practical needs. From discussing design adjustments to addressing client concerns, I observed the importance of clear communication, adaptability, and problem-solving in this field.

What I Learned

This experience helped me connect classroom learning to real-world application. For instance:

Technical Expertise: The lunch and learn highlighted how architects must continuously educate themselves about evolving materials and technologies.

Collaboration: Both the open office design and the client meeting emphasized teamwork and communication as essential skills.

Creativity Meets Practicality: Architecture is a balancing act—each design must be aesthetically pleasing while meeting functional and budgetary constraints.

I documented my experience in a video, capturing the highlights of the day, including snippets from the office tour, lunch and learn, and client meeting. You can watch the final video on YouTube

Thanking My Mentor

To show my gratitude, I sent a thank-you email to my mentor at DYS Architecture. (Screenshots of the email are attached below.) Their willingness to include me in their daily work, answer my questions, and share insights made this experience incredibly valuable.

Reflections on Career Choices

Experiencing a workday in architecture has reshaped how I think about career planning. It showed me the importance of exploring a profession’s day-to-day realities before committing to it. The practical skills, collaboration, and adaptability I saw in action gave me a deeper understanding of what this career entails. Whether or not I pursue architecture in the future, this experience taught me how to better evaluate potential career paths.

Through this hands-on glimpse into the professional world, I’ve taken one more step toward clarifying my long-term goals and aligning them with my passions and skills.

My 2024 Transitional Presentation of Learning 🥳🎉

“Thank you for coming to my presentation of learning. I am the expert on my own learning. I am also responsible and accountable for my own learning. You can expect me to give an honest evaluation of my progress. We will discuss my strengths and opportunities for growth. Thank you in advance for listening and for offering feedback that I can use to improve as a learner.”

In this T-POL I will answer the driving question “How can you showcase evidence to demonstrate that PLP Success Behaviors have prepared you to advance to the next grade?” I will share examples of how I have demonstrated the PLP Success Behaviors throughout the school year. I will provide evidence of how I have been engaged, responsible, and accepting feedback in my learning. I will showcase projects, assignments, and assessments that highlight my growth and achievement. I will also reflect on areas where I can improve and set goals for the future. By showcasing my evidence and reflecting on my learning journey, I will demonstrate that the PLP Success Behaviors have prepared me to advance to the next grade. Thank you for your support and for believing in my potential as a learner.🤩🤓

First, one of the projects I was very engaged in was Destination Imagination. Destination Imagination (D.I.) was very helpful and improved my focus and engagement skills because we had to be very engaged with every task we did. When we were put into groups, each member had an important task in the project. It became clear that when some teams had missing members, they seemed to be struggling a little. This showed that every member being engaged was a key element for this project. Through D.I., I learned the importance of collaboration and how my active participation could influence the overall success of our group. For example, during our problem-solving activities, I had to communicate effectively and ensure that I was contributing my part to meet our deadlines. This experience has taught me that being engaged means not only focusing on my tasks but also being aware of how my contributions impact the team. Working on this project allowed me to practice my problem-solving skills in real-time. We often encountered unexpected challenges, and staying engaged meant being adaptable and thinking creatively to find solutions

Cutting wood!

(Read more here)

Reflecting on the Destination Imagination Tournament

Second, a project that showcased my responsibility was the spring exhibition. This project highlighted my responsibility because I had to be accountable in my role as a team member. Each team member was responsible for their own part in making the ads, snacks, and other elements for the exhibition. I demonstrated my responsibility in several ways. For instance, I baked cookies, made friendship bracelets to give out, and created the video ads for our presentation. Baking cookies required me to manage my time effectively, and ensure that the cookies were ready on time. Making friendship bracelets involved attention to detail and dedicate time to producing a quality product. Creating the video ads required me to plan, and edit content, ensuring that it effectively communicated our message. Through this project, I learned that being responsible means being reliable and following through on commitments. My contributions were essential to the success of the exhibition, and I took pride in ensuring that my tasks were completed to the best of my ability. This experience reinforced the importance of taking ownership of my responsibilities and the impact it can have on the overall success of a team project. Overall, the spring exhibition project was a significant opportunity for me to demonstrate my responsibility. It taught me the value of accountability and reliability, both of which are crucial for my advancement to the next grade.

(Read more here)

The Spring Exhibition: An adventure of knowledge

Third, I have demonstrated my ability to accept feedback, both positive and negative, through the Two Stars and a Wish method used by my classmates. This method involves receiving two positive comments (stars) and one area for improvement (wish) about my work. By consistently participating in this feedback process, I have learned to embrace constructive criticism and use it to enhance my learning. For example, during our group projects and individual assignments, I would receive feedback from my peers highlighting what I did well and suggesting areas for improvement. One time, a classmate praised my creativity in a presentation (a star) and my thorough research (another star), but also suggested that I work on my public speaking skills (the wish). Instead of feeling discouraged by the wish, I viewed it as an opportunity for growth and actively worked on improving my presentation delivery in future projects.

In conclusion, throughout this T-POL, I have demonstrated that the PLP Success Behaviors have prepared me to advance to the next grade. By showcasing my engagement in the Destination Imagination project, my responsibility during the spring exhibition, and my ability to accept and act on feedback through the “Two Stars and a Wish” method, I have provided clear evidence of my growth and achievement. These experiences have not only highlighted my strengths but also helped me identify areas for improvement. I am committed to continuing my development as a responsible, engaged, and reflective learner. Thank you for your support and for believing in my potential as I advance to the next grade.

the next grade. Thank you for your support and for believing in my potential as a learner. 😎🥸

The Spring Exhibition: An adventure of knowledge

Our Spring Exhibition project titled The Wilderness Must Be Explored! was truly an adventure from start to finish. The driving question for our project was “How does language inspire adventure?” Through our journey, we discovered the profound power of storytelling and communication in igniting a sense of exploration and discovery. Language, in its many forms, served as the vehicle that transported us to new realms, offering a window into the unknown and inspiring a deep-seated desire to explore. We learned that words, whether written, spoken, or visualized, have the extraordinary ability to paint vivid landscapes and evoke the thrill of adventure.

One of the highlights of our project was the field study we took to Oregon. Each day of our trip was filled with exciting activities that allowed us to immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature and the thrill of adventure. My Oregon trip journal is filled with memories of hiking through lush forests, zip lining over crystal clear lakes, and connecting with the local community. Each activity was carefully chosen to challenge our perceptions and expand our horizons. For instance, the hikes through Oregon’s lush forests were not just physical journeys but also metaphorical ones, encouraging us to push our boundaries and embrace the unknown. Similarly, zip lining over crystal-clear lakes provided a unique perspective, literally elevating our view and metaphorically showing us the beauty that can be seen when we take risks. The field study was filled with fun and challenges that were hard to overcome, but I would love to do it all over again. The trip was a completely new adventure and an eye-opening experience that definitely impacted my worldview as a student. The interactions with the local community offered us insights into different lifestyles and cultures, enriching our understanding and appreciation of diversity. I will always remember it. If you want to read more in detail, I will make sure to link my field study journal which has all of the days recorded in it.

(READ ME  👇)

Throughout the project, we engaged in various competencies such as communication, critical thinking, and collaboration. Communication was key as we had to convey our ideas effectively within our team and to our audience. Critical thinking came into play as we analyzed how different forms of language can inspire adventure and what elements make a story compelling. Collaboration was essential as we worked together as a team to create an ad campaign that showcased the theme of bonding and community through adventure. Our campaign included six print ads and two video ads that we presented to parents during the exhibition. The print ads were designed to visually capture moments of adventure, using powerful imagery and succinct text to evoke emotions and inspire viewers. The video ads, on the other hand, told stories of our adventures and the bonds we formed, bringing our experiences to life for the audience. And to draw in guests, we made friendship bracelets, symbolizing the connections we made and the importance of community in any adventure. The making of these bracelets was a collaborative effort, reflecting the theme of unity and shared experiences.

Video ad 1  Video ad 2

(Click Us 👆!)

 

As I look back on the 2024 Spring Exhibition, I am filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Our project not only allowed us to explore the wilderness of Oregon but also to explore the power of language in inspiring adventure. It was truly a memorable experience that I will always cherish. The exhibition was not just a showcase of our work but a celebration of our journey, highlighting the skills we developed and the lessons we learned. The feedback from parents and guests was overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the creativity and depth of our presentations. This experience has reinforced my belief in the power of language and storytelling, and how they can inspire us to explore, dream, and discover.