Welcome to Dunecrest American School's bi-monthly community and project showcase: Making Waves. Take a peek and learn about the Dunecrest Difference! Helping Students Become the Best Version of Themselves THINK-IN LAB Design Thinking at Dunecrest "Design thinking" originated as a way for engineers to test design feasibility with prototypes. This process captured the imagination of educators and was adapted as a dynamic method for teaching problem solving.
At Dunecrest we support students in exploring and understanding a problem through the Design Thinking framework. We also lead by example; therefore, you'll find teachers and principals applying Design Thinking frameworks throughout their project implementation. Grade 3 Creates Documentaries for Expo 2020 Pavilions
We know that children learn best when you provide them with an authentic context for their study. As part of the US Common Core Standards in Social Studies, Grade 3 students are challenged to explore what cultural elements are unique to a given country and how is culture influenced by physical geography.
Initial Problem Your role is in media production and your job consists of creating short films to advertise for various companies. You have recently been signed by the Expo planning team to create a series of short documentaries for each of the country pavilions that highlight information about the country and its culture (music, art, language, traditional games etc.). Your film should entice people to visit that country.
1. Empathize Where is the end user stuck? What is the key pain point?
2. Define Redefine the problem from an end-user perspective.
3. Ideate Think outside the box for solutions that help the problem.
In order for the project to be a success, students needed to evaluate the concept of "culture" from multiple vantage points before pursing their own country-specific research. Further, they required a framework to guide them in terms of how best to tackle their task. Finally students had to be trained in a particular technology that would enable them to showcase their research and persuade their audience to visit the country.
The Leadership Team at Dunecrest wanted to infuse realism into Grade 3s cultural project and to reinforce the value of mentoring. As such, Dunecrest arranged for Documentary Film Producers to Zoom with the class to coach them about the importance of storyboards, emotional connections with the audience and flexibility when research takes the project in a new direction. Closer to home in computing, Mr. Backus worked with students on how to use iMovie.
This unit of inquiry was a cross-curricular STEAM project coordinated by the homeroom teachers. Various specialist teachers were also brought in to help cement students' understanding of culture. Ms. Sue for instance, supported the student's discovery of culture through Art while Mrs. Miller helped to explore culture through various sports specific to a country or Region. Finally, Ms. Mari –Carmen helped the students to create soundtracks for their films by exploring music from different cultures.
4. Prototype Build a model that will generate data.
5. Test Measure outcomes using traditional metrics
The project is ongoing. With supervision, students are now being encouraged to interface with tourism boards and other stakeholders specific to their chosen country to better understand campaigns that have worked in the past and to test their ideas. Our Grade 3 students will compile their research and know-how into individual videos, which will be shared with a review panel that includes principals, teachers, older students and guest judges from Expo. We cannot wait to see their fantastic work!
VIRTUAL LEARNING Life looks quite different than it did a few weeks ago but that doesn't mean that we need to stop learning! This is the perfect opportunity to dive into the mysterious world of technology. VIRTUAL EVENTS Virtual Open House | June 23 at 11 am on Zoom
Dunecrest American School provides a holistic and future-focused, American program with the IB Diploma® that inspires students to discover their talents, pursue their passions, and make a positive impact on their communities and the world beyond. Our supportive community, grounded in academic excellence and personal achievement, helps to develop confident, and capable leaders of tomorrow.
Join us on Wednesday, June 23 at 11 am for a Virtual Open House led by Head of School, Mr. Bill Delbrugge. Register today!
VIRTUAL LEARNING - A TEACHER'S PERSPECTIVE Dunecrest American School is often commended by parents and students for its sensitive and thoughtful approach to virtual learning. From it's virtual learning orientation for all stakeholders before Spring Break to its 24/7 tech support to its balanced combination of synchronous, asynchronous and off-line activities, it is working hard to deliver an exceptional education in these unprecedented circumstances. We caught up with Grade 3 Teacher, Ms. Jill King to get her perspective on lessons learned. 1- How are you providing feedback and checking in with students? Feedback is provided to every individual student for each activity/project that's assigned. Just like in the classroom, the feedback is focused on something they have done well and what are their next steps. SeeSaw is a great platform for feedback as there is a comment box attached to each assignment that allows the teacher to give either written or verbal feedback. I also reach out to my students through Zoom and Google Hangouts regularly if I notice they need extra support with an activity or concept. 2- What was the biggest challenge you faced? One of the biggest challenges of e-learning is providing opportunities for students to collaborate together on projects and trying to keep the students engaged in the activities they are doing from home. Our program at Dunecrest allows students a lot of opportunities to work on larger project-based activities with their peers, so the biggest challenge with e-learning is trying to still honor this learning style while students are isolating in their homes. 3- What have you enjoyed the most about e-learning? One of the things I have enjoyed the most about e-learning is the challenge to try new things and learn more about all the amazing online resources and programs that are available to enhance student learning. 4- What did you learn from this experience? I have learned that being flexible, creative and positive has helped me immensely during this difficult time. It is important to remember that all of our students have been put in a very challenging situation, both academically and emotionally. As teachers, it is our job to keep their spirits high and provide them with lots of opportunities throughout their day to keep their minds challenged and engaged in their learning. EAGLE SPOTLIGHT At Dunecrest you will continually witness people being the best version of themselves. In some instances we showcase these individuals, in others we highlight the support team & tools that help these fine individuals reach new heights. In this edition of Making Waves, we recognize one of our young Eagles, Zoe Mouchantaf, for always being the best version of herself. Zoe was nominated for this showcase by Mrs Miller for excellence in PE in attitude, teamwork, sportsmanship and performance. TOP EAGLE: ZOE MOUCHANTAF, GRADE 4 Zoe is an outstanding member of our Dunecrest community. She is always respectful, she's well mannered and polite to everyone. She is very creative in both music and art, and she shows excellence in everything that she does. Zoe is also a good team player as she gets along with everyone and is always eager to help. FInally, she participates in many service-orientated activities as she is in the Girl Scouts that always help out people. She truly defines CREST with her actions and we're so proud of her.
Ms. Lisa Gibson, Head of Elementary School Zoe is a very talented singer, dancer and actor, but what impresses me the most about Zoe is her work ethic. She pays great attention to detail whether it is in one of her many performing arts pursuits or helping out a friend practice their lines. In our recent Jungle Book Musical, Zoe not only knew her lines perfectly but she was always aware of what was happening around her and was willing to lend a hand to support her fellow cast members and production team. She is a very hardworking, bright talent whose greatest quality by far is her positive and helpful nature.
Mr. Matt Bishop, Drama Teacher Zoe embodies all of our CREST pillars. She is an outstanding student that shows respect not only towards her teachers and peers, but also towards herself. She puts all of her effort into her work and the output is nothing less than her best. I look forward to watching her learn and grow.
Ms. Spring, Grade 4 Homeroom Teacher AIMING HIGHER At Dunecrest American School, our focus is on raising achievement every day, every way. This culture of always aiming higher is evident in all we do from our lessons, to our sports and art program to our school's long term growth plan. Now in our second year of operation, "Aiming Higher" will showcase some of the exciting changes we have in store for the community in the 2020-2021 academic year. Over the past several weeks we have showcased top new courses being offered to American High School Diploma and IBDP students: Introduction to Business, Culinary Arts , Strength & Conditioning, Visual and Performing Arts Courses as well as Model United Nations. This week we turn our attention to new middle school courses in Visual and Performing Arts as well as STEAM and social impact initiatives. THEATER - Asha Lynch - Grades 6 to 8 This introduction to theater arts will serve new young artists as they take their first steps towards understanding "the basics" of theatre. We will cover the core components of the theatre machine: acting, directing, playwriting, and technical theatre. By understanding the inner workings of these concepts and practices, we will also expand our knowledge of theatre history. Young artists will also be introduced to publicity, the nuance of play production, and a deep well of improvisational exercises and games. FILM APPRECIATION (SEMESTER COURSE) - Asha Lynch - Grade 6 Film appreciation is a course that explores the world of film and filmmaking. Focusing on western film, students will study the creation of film, including analysis of the different genres and innovations, working towards the understanding of analysis and comparison of age-appropriate films. Studies include the invention of film and the silent era, talkies, animation, and special effects. At the end of the year, students will make their own short film focusing on one of the areas studied. The overall philosophy of the course is to give students insight into both the technical aspects of film production and the creative and artistic application of those techniques. MILLION SOLAR STARS - Adam Hall - Grades 7 & 8 Million Solar Stars challenges students to develop leadership and STEAM skills. Learners build solar models, create presentations and multimedia games, and harness their creativity to raise awareness for solar power. Students develop their skills to scale up solar power at Dunecrest and expand clean energy to schools around the world. PARTNER PERCH Dunecrest believes in the power of community. This new feature enables us to share strategies, tips and recommendations from highly regarded partners and subject matter experts. SUMMER SCIENCE TO KEEP COOL Mad Science UAE is the leading STEM enrichment program provider in the Emirates. With over 14 years of experience, they have become the experts in delivering highly energetic, entertaining programs to audiences across all ages. Mad Science offers a very popular after school activity at Dunecrest. As such we spoke with the experts to get ideas about some super Summer science experiments you can run when school is out.
At Mad Science, we believe that Science Never Stops! Wherever you are, whether a simple observation experiment or some heavy tinkering in your shed, there is always science near you. We have prepared a series of fun experiments our Junior Scientists can enjoy using common materials available in your houses. Do these simple experiments and post in online and tag Mad Science UAE, use #MadScienceHomeExperiments and get special surprises! 1- BALLOON HOVERCRAFT Hawkeye from Marvel Superheroes travels in a motorcycle hovercraft called a Sky Rider. How do hovercrafts work? In this Mad Science Experiment from The Home Lab we will create a Balloon Hovercraft!
Supplies needed: blank DC or DVD, sports bottle cap (push-up style), balloon, tape and scissors
How does it work? Air from the balloon will pass through the cap. This creates higher air pressure below the CD than above it. The high pressure lifts the hovercraft (CD) allowing it to glide smoothly with almost no friction!
2- SALT LAVA LAMP One of the most memorable supervillian devices of this generation is Scarlet Overkill's Lava Lamp Blaster in Minions (from the Despicable Me franchise). Even before this epic contraption was introduced, Lava Lamps had a special place in Pop Culture. But how do they work? The Home Lab by Mad Science takes us through a DIY Salt Lava Lamp science experiment.
Supplies needed: tall clear drinking glass, vegetable oil, water, food coloring, 1/2 cup of salt
How does it work? Everything is made of tiny molecules we can't see. Density is a measure of how many molecules are packed into a substance. Denser substances are heavier than less dense substances. Oil is less dense than water which is why it floats. Salt is more dense than oil and water so it sinks to the bottom. As the salt sinks, it pull some oil down with it trapping it at the bottom of the glass. As the salt dissolves, the trapped oil escapes and rises back to the surface creating a cool goopy lava lamp effect. We also have other experiments available in our website which has videos of each experiments: uae.madscience.org
Virtual Programs: Mad Science UAE was the first STEM enrichment program provider in the Emirates. This summer they are going Virtual! Watch out for the launching of Mad Science Virtual Programs. We will have exciting Virtual Classes, Half Day Virtual Camps, and Interactive Virtual Birthday Party! Science Exploration at the comfort of your own home! For more information, you may reach them at: 04 3377403 / 056 8872868 MINDFUL ME Our community's well-being is at the heart of all we do at Dunecrest. Elementary Physical Education Teacher & Parent Liaison, Mrs. Kristen Miller has created the Parent's Wellness Virtual Space to support the parent community. PARENT WELLNESS VIRTUAL SPACE There are lots of activities to keep you healthy, active and informed. Once you enter the space you can click on any of the images which will take you to a fun activity, website, or app. Please enjoy- if you have any great websites/apps you would like us to add please let us know- and remember*
He who has health has hope; and he who has hope has everything. CREST CONNECTIONS In this edition of Making Waves, we introduce Parent Liaison, Mrs. Kristen Miller's SeeSaw Blog: Crest Connections. This Early Childhood and Elementary School feature highlights some amazing student projects and provides useful parenting tips. https://blog.seesaw.me/crestconnections/#!/ HOW TO NAVIGATE THIS .... (A Mom's Perspective) Tania Tabbal, Holistic Health Coach, Conscious Parent, Kids Yoga Instructor and Mom of Grade 2 & Grade 5 Eagles Yesterday I cracked!!! 1. Focus Time This time is where you and your kids are focusing on doing your work (3-4 hours daily). 2. Play Time It's very healthy for children and so liberating for parents to create the environment for independent playing. This is a skill we can teach like we teach swimming.
3. Movement Time Set up a place in your house (probably the living room) where kids can play on their own go noodle/Simon says/yoga/dance…..
4. Messy Time Give them some things and a specific area were they can explore and be messy. Shaving cream, play dough, painting, cooking, cleaning the garden (kids loves chores). 5. Quiet Time Our kids need quiet time to regain their energy and focus. Quiet time also help creating boundaries and space between siblings. 6. Technology Time Try to be friends with technology now. Agree on fixed period of time which doesn't change, for example 30 minutes after school is done. 7. Family Time
You don't have to be focused with your kids the full day make sure each kid is getting a 20 minutes quality time with you and a time with all the family like dinner time. 8. Nutrient Dense Food In order for our kids to stay focused and have a healthy brain and body they need a proper fuel. Getting enough protein, good fat and good carbs during the day will help in their performance and mood. Wholefoods over processed with minimal sugar. 9. A Final Word
It's already overwhelming. Don't make it harder on yourself do what resonates with you and your family.
Much love, Tania
PASS IT ON Thank you for taking the time to read our Project & Community Showcase, Making Waves. We would be delighted for you to share all of the amazing happenings at Dunecrest American School! The below "Pass it On" button, enables you to download a pdf, which can easily be shared on email or via What's App.
Educationally yours, Team Dunecrest Dunecrest American School Dubai, UAE +971 4 508 7444 | info@dunecrest.ae
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