UniVERSOtea Mornings 2024-2025

These sessions take place on Wednesdays, 8:00am-8:45am at Connect, Level 2,The HUB

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Learning Labs for Q1

Project Updates!

• Learners have completed their first Agile design thinking cycle and had a chance to reflect on their processes. 
• On the whole, they vastly overestimated how quickly they could complete tasks during this first round and so designed a plan for the next 2-week cycle to accommodate for this. 
• Both teams are running into challenges on a daily basis in both manufacturing and coding and having to find solutions; it will be interesting next week to see how well they are able to complete the challenges in the first scrimmage (a mini-competition) when they go head to head against the other team.

Project Updates

• The Hygiene Heroes continued their exploration into the chemistry of common household disinfectants. On 11 September they were joined by Mr. Robert Baguio, a chemistry specialist from Statefield School, Inc., who provided insights into the active ingredients in cleaning products and explained the various categories of these ingredients.

• The learners then tested the efficacy of different cleaning products on various stains, including coffee, oil, and ketchup.
• On 17 September, Khun Chatsiya Prommongkonkul from Pungungreen conducted a workshop on creating disinfectants using 100% natural ingredients.
• The participants crafted their multi-purpose chemical solutions that can be used as detergents, surface cleaners, and dishwashing liquids. They also prepared sugarcane-based alcohol sprays in two scents: kaffir lime and orange.
• The past two weeks have been highly productive, and the learners are now moving towards developing their own formulations and brainstorming ideas for their own disinfectant brand.

Project Updates!

• Over the past few weeks, learners have researched contemporary Thai women, focusing on topics aligned with their interests and passions. They expanded their understanding of current societal norms and issues affecting Thai women. 
  
  
• Building on this research, they developed individual research skills and formats tailored to support their event planning. Inspired by their findings, learners creatively shaped 3D sculptures using air-dry modeling clay, expressing their artistic vision and transformation on the representation of Thai women in society.
  
  
• The learners went on BTW to MATDOT Art Center, The Queen’s Gallery, and The Ratchadamnoen Art Center to understand the contemporary exhibition styles and methods. Learners actively engaged with different types of displays and took notes on how they could apply new methods of exhibition in their event. 
  
  
• Learners will create an art analysis video, dissecting and explaining their artistic choices that they used for the sculptures. They will learn how an artwork is intentionally created and perceived, encouraging them to use their analytical skills for International Women’s Day event planning and exhibition.

Math Labs with Michael & Joe

• Here is a little insight into how our math labs function here at school. 
  
  1. These labs are vibrant, collaborative spaces where learners actively engage in sharing their knowledge with each other. 
  2. We make use of every space around us—walls, tables, cabinets—to showcase and explore ideas together. 
  3. This setup fosters a classroom environment rich in shared thinking and collective problem-solving.

• When it comes to collecting evidence of learning, however, this is usually done independently by each learner.
   
• They are given time to reflect and provide their own responses, and sometimes the option to include personal notes or strategies they've developed along the way.
  
  
• Below are some photos of our Algebra 1 class, where learners are providing evidence to share with their learning designer while keeping notes for themselves.

Research Book Clubs

• To encourage engagement and a love of reading, learners had the opportunity to choose their own book club groups and books. 
• There is time given each week during Research LABs for learners to set reading goals and discuss key features including plot, characters, setting, themes and literary devices. 
• All selected books are appropriate for readers aged 15 and under, though some may contain mature content.
• Please review the books and email LD Chrissy if you have any concerns or speak with us in person at the upcoming Family conVERSO.
• We encourage learners to take these books home to enjoy the many benefits of daily reading (more information can be found in this link.
• Your support in promoting daily reading and ensuring the books are returned to VERSO on the indicated date and in good condition is greatly appreciated to avoid any necessary replacement charges.

Power Hour with Coach Joe and Coach Ji Yoon

• This quarter's Power Hour sessions will center around preparing learners for the upcoming VERSOlympics sports event on 25 September, which features various track and field events, including long jump, shot put, discus, javelin, high jump, and track races for 100m, 200m, and 400m. 
  
  
• The sessions will focus on drills and movement exercises to enhance performance, along with stretching routines to prevent injuries. 
  
  
• This comprehensive preparation aims to ensure students are physically ready and confident for the event.

Updates: 

• Learners focused on track races with baton-passing drills and fun relay games. They also learned proper and safe techniques and forms for shot put and long jump. Moving forward, they will continue to practice movement exercises to enhance their performances.
   
• They will learn and practice high jumps and javelin. 
  
  
• They are continuing warm up runs and stretching routines to prevent injuries.

Art Labs with Gideon and Ji Yoon

MADLab

• In MADLab, learners completed their "Flora of VERSO" project, featuring pencil renderings of flowers on campus. 
  
  
• They are now delving into pen drawing, applying correct proportion techniques, and focusing on shading. Learners are working on the "Time Machine" series, which will showcase pen renderings of subjects that symbolize special memories.

AP Studio (G11-12)

• Learners are wrapping up their second sustained investigation, incorporating newly-acquired mark-making techniques. Their final artworks are based on experimentation with various mediums, colors, and compositions explored in their sketchbooks. They refined their inquiry and started to develop their unique artistic voice.

• Learners also learned how to write evidence for their AP portfolio, understanding how to connect the dots between their artistic choices and their overall theme.

Talad VERSO Fundraiser

Q: What is Talad VERSO Fundraiser?

A: It's a bake sale event and one of the many activities taking place during Spirit Week (23-27 Sept). Funds raised will go towards the Design Challenge for ML and UL learners to design and create a Vipers mascot.

Parents and staff are invited to bring NUT-FREE baked goods - cookies, cupcakes, donuts, pies, brownies, muffins, and more! (preferably no live cooking) to sell at The Hub from 2:45 PM - 3:15 PM on 26 September. Both homemade and purchased items are welcomed. We ask that parents and staff or their designated representatives manage their own sale and use eco-friendly serving or packaging materials in lieu of plastics.

Q: What is the Design Challenge for the Vipers Mascot?

A: The Design Challenge for the Vipers Mascot kicks off on 23 September. The Vipers mascot appear at various sporting events and activities. The Middle and Upper Loop learners will tackle the driving question: "How might we design a real-life mascot for our VERSO Vipers teams?" They'll use the Design Thinking Process to sketch ideas, develop designs, and consider how the mascot should make people feel. Initial designs will be submitted to their Learning Designers on 27 September for their consideration. The winning team will then create prototypes and bring their design to life, guided by Learning Designers.

Click HERE to read more.

By Jarret Voytilla