Invent!

Today, VMNH educator, Robin Jensen, had students, first brainstorm about unconventional uses of everyday items like spatulas and whisks and to then invent a machine. The machines were to incorporate at least three simple machines (pulley, inclined plane, lever, wedge, screw, and wheel and axle), and successfully move an aluminum can across the table without directly attaching anything to the can. Although, none of the students were quite successful in creating a device with three simple machines, they showed great creativity and ingenuity with the machines that were developed.

Enunciate!

English tutor, Mr. Smith, shook up the normal routine by having the students to participate in several acting exercises. The exercises emphasized enunciation and focus in a fun, playful manner. The videos below show the students, staff, and instructor taking part in a few of the exercises.

Lessons in Design: Optimization

Today, VMNH educator, Robin Jensen, coordinated an activity to teach the students about optimization in design and repurposing waste for useful products. The VMNH MHC-After 3 students were required to construct stand-alone structures with all of the waste items they chose from a large trash bag. One group of students chose to build a “monster truck” while the other group made a “sorority house” (see pictures below). The students showed great creativity and resolve to complete structures under the given constraints and attested to the scientific skills that were used.

Math Session: Blokus Game

Mrs. Bredamus and the students played a competitive game of Blokus. The game forced the students to carefully scrutinize the placement of each geometric shape, known as a polyomino (polygon created from less simple geometric shapes, squares for Blokus), on the game board in order to be successful. All of the VMNH student participants seemed to thoroughly enjoy the game and in the process, enhance their geometric and critical thinking skills.

PHCC: School of Craft & Design Activity

Led by art instructors from the Patrick Henry Community College School of Craft & Design, the students made custom jewelry pieces. Each student was allowed freedom in the artistic direction of their personal pieces as well as whether the adorned glass would become a necklace or pin.

MHC After-3 Fall Carnival!

All of the students from each MHC After-3 site convened at Piedmont Arts Association for a classic fall carnival. The students participated in games created by each site, including a corn toss game, a football toss, sticky darts, and several other unique games. In addition to games, there was also traditional carnival fare like hot hot dogs, cotton candy, caramel apples, and popcorn. All of the student and parent participants genuinely enjoyed the event and the excursion from normal programming.

Music Workshop

Doug Williams, musician extraordinaire, presided over a very entertaining two-day songwriting workshop. On the first day he noted the fundamentals of songwriting, taking the students step-by-step through the process of constructing a well organized, yet organic sounding song. On the second day, the instruction culminated into a creative song produced by the students with Doug’s assistance. Please see the video below, to see the students’ work.