Category: Specialists

Students started off learning about one of the five basic senses: touch. With their eyes closed and open, they experienced different sensations in feeling textures such as fur, sand paper, felt, rubber, fake grass, etc. They described what these textures felt like and whether they enjoyed or disliked those sensations and why. After the discussion on where such textures are on this planet, they were introduced to sculpture artist Louis Nevelson.

Louise Nevelson is most known for her monochromatic (one-color) large sculptures using found objects. After looking at some of her artwork and discussing what they see through the arrangement of objects, the students were excited to build their own sculptures. They were given a variety of materials with different textures to create a sculpture that has many layers and surprises to it.

The final steps include choosing one color that will cover the entire sculpture and giving the work a title. They will revisit Louise Nevelson’s sculptures and see how she used her titles to give meaning. The final step of making will be a mini critique so their peers have an opportunity to ask questions and the artist has time to explain their artwork and process.

#SaklanCreative

What can lines create? Paintings, shapes, sculpture and beyond. First, the students learn when something is flat, like a painting or drawing, it is two-dimensional. What THEY WILL CREATE pops up from the paper and you can SEE ALL THE WAY AROUND, making it SCULPTURE!

Using straight line strips of paper and glue, the Kinders create their own one of a kind standing sculpture. They learn how to make shapes, spirals, arcs, and zig zag lines all using a flat, straight line paper. The possibilities are endless to this sculpture project, as students can build on existing shapes.

Their imagination grows as they continue to build off each line of paper and relate it to something they have seen or imagined. Some students created their own sculpture garden, imagining where a person climbs and wonders. The kindergarteners showed great excitement and focus in building their line paper sculptures! Following this project, students will move onto two-dimensional line drawings and paintings.

#SaklanCreative

This week, the 8th grade created hot air balloons that would help test the ideas of buoyancy and Archimedes Principle, along with Charles’ Law in Chemistry. Using paper, glue, tape and paperclips, they engineered balloons that they thought would create the largest lift when filled with heated air.

The students worked together to fill the balloon and create lift. After some on the fly design changes, and adding different amounts of air, we finally got lift off! The engineering processes was in full effect with the 8th graders, and when hitting snags in their designs, and having environmental challenges, they were able to tinker their designs and way of thinking to accomplish their goal. With the help of the wind as well, we noticed how fluids move in and push matter.

This year, the students were able to create balloons that reached a higher altitude than any other year.

#SaklanHandsOn

“A circle is a round straight line with a hole in the middle.”

~Mark Twain~

This year The Saklan School got a brand new parachute for their physical education program! “Parachuting” is great fun and a healthy activity for students of all ages.

The parachute strengthens primarily shoulder, arm and hand muscles, and at the same time allows for practice of basic locomotor skills, such as running, leaping, skipping, and galloping. Teamwork and cooperation are essential in order to successfully complete many of the fun activities which can be created by the parachute.

Students of all grades love playing with the parachute. The non-competitive, rhythmic social interactions are a great start to a new school year.

Let’s go Saklan!

#SaklanWellRounded

Bienvenido a la clase de ESPAÑOL! It is well said that students with proficient multilingual and technology skills will thrive in the future.

In Spanish class this year, Saklan is integrating DESCUBRE Supersite, an online learning environment to engage students and build their confidence in learning Spanish. With this curriculum, students have a number of digital formats to practice their Spanish. This can be used in the classroom as well as at home. Learning doesn’t only happen in the classroom!

#SaklanWellRounded

This year the Saklan West African Music program is embarking on an exciting and ambitious program. Each class is learning a different style of music from the Ewe speaking people of Ghana.

Ewe music is organized into different styles. Every style has its own set of rhythms, its own dance, and its own songs that are sung. Any one style could have countless drum patterns, choreographies or songs that are composed by master musicians. All these compositions fit within the style of music and are performed together.

The 4th grade is learning Agahu, a social dance that we performed at the Annual Spring Concert last year.

The 5th grade is studying Atsia, a social dance whose name literally means “style.”

The middle schoolers will learn a style called Tokoe which is a rite of passage dance performed by Ghanaian teenagers.

Each class will learn rhythms, choreographies and songs that belong to these styles throughout the school year. The students will improve their musicianship and build community. Saklan students also gain respect for other cultures and develop their listening skills.

#SaklanWellRounded

The 6th grade has been learning about heat transfer around our planet, especially in regards to radiant energy from the sun. They spent time learning about the different types of wavelengths the sun gives off (the electromagnetic spectrum) and how each provide different kinds of energy. The students then looked at the suns potential. First, they saw how solar power works to excite electrons on a solar panel by racing solar panel race cars. Next, they learned how photos can be used to heat up water in solar farms to create steam to turn a turbine. And lastly, they created solar ovens where they used the suns energy and a mirrored cone to cook some cookies!

Lastly, as summer is quickly approaching, the students learned how to keep themselves safe from the sun. Wearing sunscreen, taking breaks in the shade, wearing sunglasses, and keeping hydrated and moisturized will keep everyone happier this summer and beyond!

#SaklanHandsOn