The Avant Gardist
January, 24, 2011
Garret Yoshimura - Teacher
Myron B. Thompson Academy
Two new courses were introduced this fall at MBTA. These were the Senior Project and Aerodynamics courses. The Senior Project course is designed to guide eligible MBTA seniors who wish to achieve a Board of Education Step Up diploma. Although the Senior Project helps students transition between completing high school and preparing for a career or college, it also allows students to explore an interest. Two examples from this year’s projects include Senior Sean Schmaltz, who is interested in pursuing a career in sales. As part of his Senior Project, Sean has met with several mentors who are engaged in successful sales careers. Sean has explored college programs where he may obtain a college degree to help him in his career choice. Sean has also explored sales training opportunities that are currently being offered. In his project, Sean is actively preparing for his future career by engaging in related experiences to determine if this is something he truly desires to pursue. He has also gained a head start in preparing to enter post-secondary education to help him realize his dreams.
Senior Lana Cabrejos chose to pursue a different perspective for her Senior Project. She is extremely interested in technology and also enjoys assisting her peers with their courses. She heard about developing applications for iPhones and has considered doing this in the future. She decided to tackle this challenge and make this goal a reality. Lana asked MBTA’s Technical Director, Mr. Derrick Lord, to be her mentor. Because of this decision, Lana is being allowed to enroll in a pilot test of an iPhone App course being developed by Mr. Lord and Ms. Marga Genova. Lana combined her passions to design and develop an iPhone App that she can share with her friends to further assist them in their studies.
The students are enrolled in the Senior Project course for their entire Senior Year at MBTA. During this time, they engage in weekly discussions with the course instructor regarding their progress and any challenges that arise. The students will present the results of their experience in March to a panel of MBTA Teachers and Subject-Matter Experts that have experience in the areas they are exploring. The remainder of the course will review, reflect on, and document the experiences of engaging in the Senior Project.
As a result of this experience, the students will not only qualify for the State of Hawaii Board of Education’s Step Up diploma, but they will also have gained a quality product to include in their portfolio. This effort represents both a culminating application of the knowledge and skills gained through their formative school experience, and also demonstrates a stretch beyond the minimal requirements for obtaining a High School Diploma in Hawaii. The students can be proud of their accomplishments as they explain what they gained from the Senior Project Experience to prospective colleges and employers.
The Aerodynamics course is a new science elective course. It is currently in its second run this spring at MBTA. The course debuted in the Fall Semester of the 2010-2011 School Year. Aerodynamics applies concepts from sciences such as Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Sciences. The students are guided through a journey which begins with defining aerodynamics, and proceeds through various forms of flight including rocket-powered flight, gliders, and powered aircraft. Much of the course involves application of science and engineering concepts in the context of aerodynamics through the design and construction of working flying models. This involves much experimentation. Students who enrolled in the course this past semester expressed how much they enjoyed this different approach to learning science. They were able to see how science is applied to engineering aircraft which help them explore the mysteries of flight.
MBTA is currently looking for a central site where this course, other science courses, and the newly planned Engineering Academy would allow students to have guided hands-on experiences that would take courses such as the Aerodynamics course to new levels. Students who are interested in aerodynamics, science, or engineering might consider enrolling in this course for a science elective credit. Sometimes finding your future career begins with a variety of experiences. The Aerodynamics course can add options for students to consider in the present and future of flight. Off we go into the wild blue yonder…
