Experiential Learning at the YMCA Academy

Andras Nagy Experiential Learning, Student Spotlight, Technology No Comments

The Grade 12 Communications Technology class at the YMCA Academy was responsible for creating several videos that showcase experiential learning.

As part of their culminating activity students organized, filmed, edited and produced 5-10 minute long videos documenting some of the workshops, field trips, and other examples of experiential learning that happens at The YMCA Academy.

The completed videos have been posted below, they include:

  • Crumple Zone Design Challenge: Students design, build and test car crumple zones.
  • Evergreen Downsview Stewardship: Supporting Evergreen Downsview Park through environmental initiatives.
  • History of Civilizations Class: History/Geography course which uses gamification to teach curriculum.
  • Shovel and Spoon Program: Life Skills and hands-on learning related to cooking, gardening, nutrition and wellness.

 

Crumple Zone Design Challenge

Downsview Park Environmental Stewardship

History of Civilizations Class

Shovel and Spoon Program One

Shovel and Spoon Program Two

Shovel and Spoon Program Three

June 12th, 2014 – Challenge… Accepted!

YMCA Academy Community, English and Humanities, Experiential Learning, YMCA of Greater Toronto 1 Comment

Three teams of YMCA Canada employees taking part in an Amazing Race–style tour of YMCA GTA programs and services stopped by the school yesterday afternoon. Upon arrival, they were introduced to the Academy by students in our Grade 10 English class, and challenged by the Grade 9 Geography class to answer quizzes about the topography and climate of regions across Canada.

Race participants and their student challengers rose to the occasion — once each team passed the test, they were presented with an envelope with instructions for how to find the next location in their quest. For the students, it was an authentic (and, well, fun) way to demonstrate the learning they’ve done this semester. There were even a few students who said they wished it had lasted longer!

May 16th, 2014 – Evergreen Downsview Park

Andras Nagy Environmental Stewardship, Experiential Learning No Comments

On May 16, the Academy set out for its second and final outing for this school year’s Evergreen environmental stewardship. Despite the forecast calling for rain, students and teachers both braved the potential downpour to embark on our bi-annual trek to Downsview Park in order to do our part in helping green an urban area. On our second visit of the year, students aided in digging out white pine and re-planting them in their new and final locations, where they will hopefully grow into large and healthy trees. We are always curious as to what we will do upon our next visit. Stay tuned to find out!

Check out the rest the rest of the pictures on our Facebook page!

May 6th, 2014 – Car Crash Design Challenge

Andras Nagy Community, Experiential Learning No Comments

On Tuesday, May 6th students of The YMCA Academy participated in a challenge that simulated a car crash safety system. After a brief presentation to describe the concepts, teams of students were asked to design and build “crumple zones” using a variety of simple materials such as straws, elastics and paper. These were tested using a miniature car running on a track into a wall to simulate a frontal collision. An accelerometer was used to measure how quickly the car came to a stop in order to assess how effective the crumple zones would be at protecting the car’s passengers.

Congratulations to Marco, Tegan, Emma and Mikaela who were our top team. They were able to reduce the rate of deceleration from 40g to 2.25g. (One “g” is the equivalent to the acceleration due to gravity, which is 9.81 meters per second squared.)

 

Check out the rest the rest of the pictures on our Facebook page!

Apr 22nd, 2014 – Canadian Geographic Map

YMCA Academy English and Humanities, Experiential Learning No Comments

In the Grade 9 Geography class at the YMCA Academy for the past few weeks, we have been using a huge 30 foot map of the energy sources in Canada. Our teacher Todd planned out a few lessons for the map and taught us about them. He then made us plan our own lessons that we would have to give the class.

We were made into groups and given a topic on Canada’s energy resources. In my group we had the topic of Alberta oil sand reserves. We came up with a few questions and made people also outline all the Canadian oil sand reserves.

I thought it was pretty nice getting out of the classroom and doing something different. It is a really cool map, mostly because of how big it is.

– Andrew S. (YMCA Academy student)