Welcome to the Olympics
(Year 5, Week 19)
The announcer’s booming voice filled the studio:
“We are standing with you. We are supporting you. We are cheering you on.”
“Welcome to Newton’s Physics Olympics 2022!”
This session, the heroes are harnessing the power of physics as they compete in a series of physics challenges in this session’s “Physics Olympics.” Inspired by Isaac Newton, the heroes will use all sorts of physics concepts to tackle challenges like building a self-propelled car, a weigh-bearing tin foil boat, an intricate marble run, and a powerful trebuchet.
With the inspiring message of the opening ceremony played, the Olympic flame was lit to symbolize the beginning of their Olympic journey.
Their first challenge this week was to learn about propulsion and momentum, and incorporate those laws of physics in creating self-propelling cars. Teams worked together for support, but each hero was challenged to create their own.
As part of this session’s quest, the heroes joined together in teams to select which countries they will represent during the Olympics. Teams that will be represented at the end of session Olympics (aka exhibition) are the following:
America, Japan, Canada, Australia, and Belgium.
Letters to a Hero
On Tuesday, the heroes learned the story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, a disability-rights activist who proved that with determination and grit anything is possible. His story encouraged the heroes to think about what makes someone a leader and a hero. The heroes voiced their admiration for people who are inventive, and who are willing to show grit and persevere through even the toughest of challenges. A few people admired included Barrel Racers, Animators, and Athletes.
They then began their first challenges in this session’s writer’s workshop which culminates in a writing a letter to their own personal hero. An experience many have done before that has been a favorite of many.
The goal is to be intentional and express gratitude to someone whom they admire and have never met. Eventually, these letters will be mailed in hopes that the heroes will receive a letter back from the recipient. By crafting a meaningful letter heroes will begin to understand the impact of sharing and recording our stories.
Journey Meetings, SMART Goals, and Grit
Over the break, learners went home and demonstrated “evidence of my learning” (a promise made by learners to parents in their contracts) by conducting Journey Meetings. After walking their parents through their points, badges, and 360 reviews, parents and learners worked together to set goals for the session. Those goals are posted on the studio walls.
This session, the learners will have support from their parents, their guides, and their fellow travelers as they work towards accomplishing their SMART goals.
This week, the heroes watched this video about grit, and discussed:
Do you think it’s more important for a hero to have persistence (focus on the goal), or resilience (getting back up after being knocked down)?
Have you ever faced something that seemed impossible or extremely difficult? What did you do?
Is there a challenge you are facing now in the studio that seems impossible or extremely difficult, either in core skills, quest, or as a member of the tribe?
Over the break you fulfilled your promise to your parents to “show evidence of your learning along the way” by doing a Journey Meeting. As part of that journey meeting, you set a SMART goal with the support of your parents. What goal will you set today that will help you develop grit and move forward towards your goal?
The heroes shared goals and went off to work, many determined to get a good start on their session goals.
Friday Olympics!
Tensions were high as the heroes faced adversity and frustration with the challenge of engineering and constructing a self-propelled car, but finally Friday had arrived and the races could begin.
The heroes were eager to lend a helping hand to some of their teammates who had fallen behind. Through encouragement and creative solutions, heroes were able to help their teammates to the finish line. Heroes were quick to offer a helping hand or a new idea to ensure that every member of their team had a chance to succeed. As the heroes tested several concepts they begin to slowly but surely hone their vision. Through trial and error, they created efficient and robust frameworks until at last, the cars were in motion.
Anticipation was high as the cars rushed across the floor. Bursting with joy, the heroes watched as the cars moved across the floor. The satisfaction of seeing all of their hard work come to fruition was overwhelming. While building their prototypes, each hero experienced obstacles and triumphs alike. Maybe most importantly, the heroes could be observed having lots of fun!
Each member of each country raced against one another to determine who had the fastest car. Then the fastest cars from each country faced off in one final race.
Congratulations to Ava, representing the country of Canada, the winner of this round of Olympic games!
Wrap Up
Throughout this week heroes learned firsthand that strength does not come from the victory but through overcoming trials in the process. This lesson will lead the Heroes to the greatest victory of all, a life lived fully and fearlessly.
