UniVERSOtea Mornings 2024-2025

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

Learning Labs for Q1 

Learning Exploring Navigating & Sharing: Psychology with Matt and Ji Yoon

Driving Question: How Can we use the power of maps to understand, connect, and share the impact of Thailand's environment on mental resilience, human behavior, and/or culture?

Project Updates

Learners explored concepts in behavioral psychology, focusing on how thoughts and emotions are reflected in observable behavior and how they may vary depending on the outside environmental factors. 

Learners conducted an observational experiment at VERSO and:

• Developed hypotheses and formulated conclusions based on their research
• Collected and analyzed quantitative and qualitative data from observations around the campus
• Established clear criteria for data collection and assessed the validity and reliability of their findings
• Utilized QGIS to map the campus with a focus on psychological insights, integrating their collected data
• Gained skills in Adobe Premiere, learning to create animations and edit videos for documentary production
• Produced a preliminary map and documentary, combining psychology-based research with visual storytelling

This initial project lays the groundwork for further exploration, including a field trip to Bangkok and overnight trekking trips, where learners will refine their observational and data-mapping techniques on a larger scale. They will expand their research and improve their documentaries, creating more sophisticated analysis and output. 

Realities of Religion with Gideon and Yi Lin

Driving Question: How do religious beliefs shape our understanding of life after death and the concept of destiny?

• Learners participated in a half-day workshop last Wednesday that focused on how to develop thoughtful interview questions and skills to talk to people on the streets.
• The workshop was led by Ms. Bianca Gacad, a former Rappler PH Journalist and currently teaching as a social studies teacher.
• The learners engaged in interactive activities to be comfortable conducting interviews, improving their listening skills, and building rapport with their interviewees in different types of interviews.
• In preparation for their next BTW to Ratchaprasong area that just took place today, learners are equipped with concepts around Buddhism and Hinduism to gain insights through interviews into the beliefs of those who worship the shrines. 
• A gentle reminder that the Human Library event is taking place next Tuesday 10 December 1:15pm-2:15pm. We invite all members in and out of the school community to participate and share your experiences with our learners and be a part of their photo books!

LENS: Learning Exploring Navigating & Sharing: Psychology with Chrissy and Michael

Driving Question:  How can filmmaking be used as a powerful tool to humanize social issues and inspire meaningful change in society?

Project Updates

• Our first Beyond The Walls trip was today Friday, 6 Dec in Bangkok
• Last week learners explored the subfield of Anthropology and the research methods used
• This week, learners are applying what they learned to plan their first field experience in order to collect data and footage to be used in their research and for their documentary.

Art Labs with Gideon and Ji Yoon

MAD Lab (G9-10) 

• Learners are putting the finishing touches on their 4 Seasons collection using oil pastels.
• During two chilly days, they also had the opportunity to create nature-inspired artwork outdoors, fully embodying and experiencing the changing seasons.
• Those who finished early have begun designing their Holiday Cards, which we plan to replicate and turn into greeting cards for the holidays, ready to be shared with their loved ones next week

AP Studio (G11-12)

AP Drawing:

• In AP Drawing, learners are engaged in their final sustained investigation of the semester, focusing on composition. This inquiry integrates a study of compositional techniques and the historical significance of Romanticism.
• To deepen their exploration, learners crafted a narrative poem or story related to their investigation, with guidance from AI. They experimented with various compositional approaches to determine which best conveyed their story.
• This creative process encourages them to refine their artistic choices, ensuring their work achieves the intended emotional and narrative impact on the audience.

AD 3D Art:

• Learners have been challenged to experiment with found objects and different poses to effectively communicate their ideas.
• They have also explored writing a poem to be used as a guide for the narrative of their artwork.

Research Lab C with Yi Lin

• We enjoyed the chill breeze last week when the AQI wasn’t bad outdoors by peer-reviewing and editing their Animal Farm literary analysis essays outdoors. The learners decided to submit this edited photo. 

Research Lab D with Yi Lin

• Learners have been collecting data to answer their research questions, and started the data analysis sections. 
• Learners are working towards finishing their first drafts before Winter break.

Power Hour with Coach Joe and Coach Ji Yoon 

Congratulations to our PowerHour learners who successfully completed and passed the VERSO Water Safety & Rescue Program! Read below to see what we’ve been up to:

Swim Unit Completion

• Learners received certifications from Coach Josh after completing and passing the water safety and rescue program.
•  This achievement marked the culmination of their efforts during our swim unit.

Wiffle Ball Activities

• Learners have transitioned to wiffle ball, focusing on developing batting and catching skills, understanding and applying sports strategies during games, and practicing good sportsmanship and teamwork.

We’re proud of their dedication and growth in both skill and spirit!

That’s what’s up in the Upper Loop! 

Thanks for Reading and Have a Great Weekend!

By Jarret Voytilla