STAB 2016

The students have been hard at work this week preparing films about the historical themes, figures and eras that we've studied during the year. I can hardly wait to see the final products, including Core One's epic journey across continents and through the winds of time. Here are a few snapshots from their efforts...

Maxwell (as Vasco da Gama): I'm a savage sailor I'm the beast of the East I sailed around Africa to season my feast Sofia (as Hatshepsut): She was not impressed by her date with a hunter gatherer Core 1: Script writing magic Jacob: Watch out for the Rap Master

This week we studied the role of spices in history. In particular, we learned about the European desire to find more efficient trade routes to Asia, in order to obtain spices such as ginger , cinnamon , cloves and pepper . As the Europeans aimed to bypass the Turks and Venetians (who initially controlled the spice trade and charged extremely high prices), they sailed around the coast of Africa and -- eventually -- to the west ... and the Americas! We held a spice smelling test during the week, and today's championship was delightful (and aromatic!). Brehanu ,  Thomas , and Mrs. Ripley each put forth a great effort, but ultimately we determined that the Spice Queen of St. Anne's-Belfield is Celia Belle , and her first deputy is Henry . Congratulations CB and Henry!!

Thank you,  Evan , for the wonderful new word that you coined during Core 4 today: Fishstory = the study of the past  ... of fish! And congratulations to the Renaissance and Reformation Tweet winners,  as selected by you... Restoring my soul is my goal I'll destroy the priests' role And bring back the religion they stole #Rhyme_time ( Martin Luther , as interpreted by Priya, Lilly, Gracie, Charlotte   and   Gracie Lou ) The story of my soul, the Pope's not dope. I pray all night, to keep God on my side; and Catholicism is closing. #One_Direction_to_God ( Martin Luther , as  interpreted  by  Jack C., Vaya, Hunter,   and   Nia ) Martin Luther?! More like Martin Loser. Luther is a liar and his theses are on fire. #Roasted ( Pope Leo X , as interpreted by Maxwell, Maya G., Bowen   and   William ) 1 Macha, 2 Macha, 3 Machiavell #machi-are ña ( Machiavelli , as interpreted by  Sarah, Darrah, Phineas...

This week we have been discussing the idea of reform . We have analyzed the various reasons that Martin Luther wanted to reform the Catholic Church, and we have considered the wisdom of Pope Leo's response to Luther's ideas. Today we had a fascinating discussion about current day reforms. The students came up with a broad range of ways in which they would like to reform the United States. Their ideas were fantastic . I just wish Candidates Clinton and Trump could have listened in! Here's a sampling: Asher : Each person who pays taxes should get to designate the government project(s) for which his/her taxes will be used. Morgan : We should have two Presidents, with different points of view, so that they would be forced to compromise with each other and the government could get more done. Lilly : Someone should lead a program in which every person in America is challenged to reform himself/herself. It has to start with changing ourselves! Gracie : The government should do a b...

Field Day was cancelled Friday because of the rain, but that didn't stop the 6th Graders from organizing their own, improvisational events during afternoon break. The baton relay was a highlight -- I can't believe how fast some of you are! Today, Cores 3 and 4 cheered for the preschoolers who were raising money for UVa Children's Hospital with their annual Trike-A-Thon. I enjoyed hearing several students talk about their fond memories of this event from years long ago. You guys were great bubble blowers and cheerleaders today, and the preschoolers definitely appreciated your encouragement! ---------------- Meanwhile, in class, the students are hard at work writing informative and clever tweets by Martin Luther, Pope Leo, Johann Gutenberg and others. Here are some samples... Peter's power provided persistent protection over Protestants.                                           ...

Yesterday we began our study of the Protestant Reformation. The students read about  Martin Luther's  dramatic decision to criticize the Catholic Church by posting his  Ninety Five Theses  on the door of his church in Germany.  Here are some of the intriguing questions that students asked about the Reformation: Why did Martin Luther start a separate branch of Christianity, rather than just starting a whole new religion? Since the time of the Protestant Reformation, has the Catholic Church changed very much? Why did the leaders of the Catholic Church care so much whether some people wanted to believe different things about Christianity? Did Martin Luther like all the publicity and attention? Were the  Ninety Five Theses  immediately taken off the church door, or were they allowed to remain on the door for awhile?

Today we continued to discuss Johann Gutenberg's invention of the movable type printing press . Many historians consider the printing press to be one of the five most important technological innovations in all of human history! We had a lively discussion about what might have motivated Gutenberg to create such an influential machine: fame, fortune, faith, a love of reading, or perhaps the desire to help others and spread knowledge throughout the world? In addition, the students brainstormed current day activities or problems that they would like to "solve" with new technology. Here are just a few of their creative ideas: Lilly , Hailey , Charlie : A folding clothes invention -- a washing and drying machine that also folds your clothes. Ellie : A communication machine that would help people relax their feelings and eventually help us achieve world peace. Gracie Lou : A global cooling device, which would be launched into space and reduce the worldwide temperature by ten d...