Update on University Offers

Special Announcement by G12 learner Prim

• The Neptune's Cup sponges are critically endangered and need your help in conservation! 
• As part of their senior design thesis, called VERTEX, Prim is working with Thai Ocean Academy, collecting GPS coordinates of each sponge, attaining growth measurements, and collecting ecological data that will support the sponges' conservation.
• However, this vital data comes with costs for the manpower and boat. 
• If you believe in repopulating a rare species whose highest population density is right here in our home of Thailand like we do, then please consider sponsoring a sponge by clicking here. 
• You'll get to earn e-certificates personalized with your name and chosen sponge, sponge sticker sheets, keychains, and holographic sticker sheets depending on the amount you donate!

Learning Lab

Storytelling: Power & Perspectives

(with Yi Lin, Heidi, & Michael)

Driving Question

Why do stories matter - how and why do we tell these stories?

Overview of Project

• Learners in this lab are learning how to interview people to hear their stories and determine how to best convey their stories to others.
• They will also learn to program to build their own website so they develop an understanding of the back end of the internet that most people don’t see.
• The final product will be a student built website that holds stories of Thana City through photos, videos, articles, and headlines. 

Credits Offered: Computer Science and Journalism

What Makes this Lab Future-Ready?

• We study both the old and the new.
• In what ways has the core of storytelling remained the same throughout the ages in a way that engages humans that will remain the same in the future?
• In what ways has the way we tell stories changed with advances in technology and how can we adapt our storytelling to make use of these technologies.

BTW Trip

• We were able to tour the BBC office to see where the journalistic magic happens.
• Learners had the opportunity to engage with correspondents Panu Wongcha-um (Reuters) and Jonathan Head (BBC) to gain insights into the journalistic process. 
• Through dialogues with individual journalists, learners delved into the methods employed to develop compelling narratives and examined the potential influence of news organizations on storytelling perspectives. 
• From this experience, learners will develop their storytelling abilities, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of communication and narrative construction.

Learning Lab

Ice Cream Dreams (with Matt & Chrissy)

Driving Question

How can we leverage the principles of chemistry to craft unique and delicious flavors in our own ice cream businesses, while also mastering the essential entrepreneurial skills needed to succeed in the competitive dessert market?

Overview of Project

• Learner’s embark on a flavorful journey merging ice cream chemistry and entrepreneurship.
• They begin by understanding the chemistry behind ice cream, exploring ingredients and their roles in texture and flavor, while also analyzing customer preferences.
• Delving into flavor prototyping, learners experiment with unique flavor combinations, learning about natural and artificial flavoring agents.
• Moving onto business planning, they craft comprehensive plans covering pricing, supply chain, and revenue projections.
• During the marketing phase, learners develop strategies to promote their products effectively, honing branding and customer engagement skills.
• Finally, in sales week, they put their plans into action, setting up pop-up stands and analyzing sales data to inform future decisions, highlighting the integration of chemistry and entrepreneurial skills throughout the project.

Credits offered: Chemistry and Entrepreneurialism 

What makes this Lab Future-Ready?

• Learners develop a range of entrepreneurial skills by engaging in a real life venture.

Research Lab A (with Chrissy)

• Our current project has the driving question: How can we create our own fusion dish representative of two cultures?

• Learners explore the blend of culinary traditions from diverse cultures. They research the origins and evolution of fusion cuisine, considering factors like migration and globalization.

• Analyzing specific dishes, they examine ingredients, techniques, and cultural influences, while also addressing questions of authenticity and respect to reinforce cultural appreciation rather than appropriation.

• Learners will present their findings in different ways including essays, pitches, cooking demonstrations, and a collaborative food magazine showcasing their understanding of the cultural, historical, and social dynamics of fusion cuisine.

• Through this project, they deepen their appreciation for global culinary diversity and gain insights into the complex interplay of culture, identity, and innovation in food.

Research Lab B (with Chrissy)

• Our current project has the driving question: How do debates and media analysis shape our global perspectives on controversial issues?
• Learners explore the interplay between debates, media analysis, and our global perspectives on controversial issues.
• They are embarking on a journey of researching topical issues and analyzing their portrayal across various media platforms.
• Through engaging in argumentative essays, they refine their critical thinking and communication skills, honing their ability to articulate and defend their viewpoints effectively.
• Additionally, active participation in debates enriches their understanding by exposing them to diverse perspectives and fostering respectful discourse.
• Culminating in the creation of a "Controversy Gallery," this project empowers individuals to navigate complex issues with empathy, insight, and informed perspectives.

By Jarret Voytilla