Now that it's evening we'll see groups shifting gears from learn mode to reflect mode. You'll see more blog posts shortly as groups reflect on the day and post.
Also folks will shortly be heading out for dinner and fun activities in their group. Lots of smiling kids and great stories of experiences today.
Mar 22, 2011
Are we informed?
The major issues presented were government spending and campaign findings. The group goal was to find out if people were educated on the issues. We wanted to know if the government is in a gridlock due to major issues such as, the polarized views of the Democrats and the republicans, government spending in the 2011 fiscal year. Today we interviewed people in Boston and presented them with questions to see different points of view on the topic. We will visit the State House to find more information about these issues.
New Media Two: First Impressions
Mr. York's New Media group is excited for what is coming ahead in the next two days. After arriving in Boston, we explored the area around the hotel. After checking out some street art and local cafes, we settled down for lunch on the MIT campus. We're all looking forward to learning more about the new creation, One brand One band, and later in the night we will check out a show in the Berkelee campus area.
Overall we're looking forward to a exciting few days! We'll check back in soon with our impressions of the upcoming events.
Overall we're looking forward to a exciting few days! We'll check back in soon with our impressions of the upcoming events.
Our First Meeting for Life Against Life
Unfortunately, we were not able to meet with our speaker from Mass. Citizens for Life, but we worked as a group and researched their website. Some interesting points we found are there are four kinds of stem cells: embryonic, germ, adult, and umbilical cord cells. People who are Christians generally only oppose research with embryonic stem cells. Mass. Citizens for Life is the largest group in the state and have pushed multiple laws through the state and country legislative system. One of these laws include females under the age of 18 being required to get a parental consent for abortion. Lastly, Mass. Citizens for Life favors research with adult stem cells because they have the ability to copy into mature cells whereas embryonic do not.
On our minds
As the students head out into the city they probably have many things on their minds. Thoughts right now are ranging from questions about their topic, the first speaker they will be meeting with & maybe where they will stop for lunch!
So now is a good chance to ask you, dear blog reader, what is on the top of your mind? What questions do you have about the JUA? What kind of content would you like to see?
Let us know what you are thinking about by clicking on the 'comment' button below!
So now is a good chance to ask you, dear blog reader, what is on the top of your mind? What questions do you have about the JUA? What kind of content would you like to see?
Let us know what you are thinking about by clicking on the 'comment' button below!
Justice & Law: Monday Night
We are all geared up and ready for an exciting first day in Boston. We will be meeting law students from Boston University starting tomorrow afternoon, followed by a tour of the Suffolk County Jail on Wednesday and an interview with a public defender.
Mar 21, 2011
First Night with group.
We are still at NHS, this is our first serious meeting as a group, we are missing three students. Tonight we decided that we are all going to get out of our comfort zones on this trip and have a GREAT time. We have a great group and are excited for the trip. We are going on two exciting visits tomorrow and are all prepared with our jobs for the day tomorrow. Although 7am is going to be an early morning our excitement of the days ahead learning about the science of shopping will get us going in the morning. We are ready to go!
New Media
Do you need to have millions of dollars and connections in LA to make a hit series anymore? In a world of file sharing how do young musicians make any money? New media has brought new opportunities and new problems for creative artists.
In our Junior Urban Adventure we will meet with Kyle York of 1band 1brand, a business that supports and connects independent artists. We will talk with independent artists and visit Café 939, a venue for artists operated by Berklee College of Music. We will visit Rule and participate in a hands-on Learning Lab using the Phantom Flex, a revolutionary high-speed digital camera. A college tour of Berklee or Emerson, and a “give-back” to the independent artist community will round out our trip.
In our Junior Urban Adventure we will meet with Kyle York of 1band 1brand, a business that supports and connects independent artists. We will talk with independent artists and visit Café 939, a venue for artists operated by Berklee College of Music. We will visit Rule and participate in a hands-on Learning Lab using the Phantom Flex, a revolutionary high-speed digital camera. A college tour of Berklee or Emerson, and a “give-back” to the independent artist community will round out our trip.
Global Perspectives
Tomorrow our group is heading to Boston to investigate how a person's worldview is shaped by their background and heritage. In addition to conducting interviews with visitors and residents of Boston we will also be meeting with Professor Stone of Boston University, visiting Chinatown, investigating different cultures at the Museum of Fine Arts, and collecting newspapers from around the globe.
In the 21st century it is more important than ever for citizens to have a global perspective when thinking about how their actions and the actions of their governments can influence people around the world. Tomorrow will be another step along the journey towards greater cultural awareness.
Weather related issues on 3/21
Hi folks - as you know there is a bit of bad weather right now in New Hampton that is causing some travel delays. Here is where we stand overall:
If you are a day student and you are unable to make it to the meeting tonight due to hazardous travel conditions please see below.
Any student who will be unable to make it to the meeting tonight (or who will be late) should also contact their group leader to make sure they will be prepared for tomorrow.
Many thanks - and please stay safe! We look forward to seeing everyone soon.
- We are still planning an 8:30pm meeting in the Master Classroom tonight
- We are still planning to board buses tomorrow by 7:30am behind the gym (see the full schedule to the right for more details)
If you are a day student and you are unable to make it to the meeting tonight due to hazardous travel conditions please see below.
- Please make arrangements to be on campus at 7:00am Tuesday so you can check in with your group leader and board your assigned bus by 7:30am
- Please review the packing list in the student resources section to make sure you have everything you need
- We will not be able to check in to the hotel immediately upon our arrival, please be prepared wearing what you need to wear and with everything you need for the day in a separate bag from your suitcase, your suitcase will be stored in a secure location until we are ready to check in
- Please review the Code of Conduct. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in swift action for you and possibly also your roommates in the hotel
Any student who will be unable to make it to the meeting tonight (or who will be late) should also contact their group leader to make sure they will be prepared for tomorrow.
Many thanks - and please stay safe! We look forward to seeing everyone soon.
Mar 20, 2011
Are You Ready!?
Welcome back everyone - here at the JUA we're very excited that the moment has finally arrived when we are about to head to Boston with you for the 2010-2011 Junior Urban Adventure!
Groups have already started blogging about where they are going and what they will be doing and you will be able to stay tuned here for all the latest and greatest throughout the program. Most groups will be posting 2-3 times a day during the trip!
If you would like to follow along with the program even closer you can search the tag #NHSJUA on Twitter or just check out the feed over on the right sidebar. I expect groups to be tweeting dozens of times a day, so that will be a fun way to keep up to date.
The JUA is our urban experiential learning project and we think it's a pretty compelling way to learn and experience interesting subjects together. If you need a quick overview of the program this is probably a good place to start.
Welcome back - and here we go!
Groups have already started blogging about where they are going and what they will be doing and you will be able to stay tuned here for all the latest and greatest throughout the program. Most groups will be posting 2-3 times a day during the trip!
If you would like to follow along with the program even closer you can search the tag #NHSJUA on Twitter or just check out the feed over on the right sidebar. I expect groups to be tweeting dozens of times a day, so that will be a fun way to keep up to date.
The JUA is our urban experiential learning project and we think it's a pretty compelling way to learn and experience interesting subjects together. If you need a quick overview of the program this is probably a good place to start.
Welcome back - and here we go!
Mar 16, 2011
Business of Sports
As countless fans of the National Football League wait for an outcome in discussions between the Players Association and owners (see story in New Yorker), it is an ideal time for a group of New Hampton School students to consider the state of sports given the amount of money that is at stake. Whether it is the NFL or the NCAA (watch ESPN Outside the Lines on the exploitation of college athletes), there are countless stories in the news that force us to confront this question:
"Has the spirit of athletics been lost with the corporate takeover of professional sports, the mercenary philosophy of big-time college athletics, the exorbitant price of taking a family to a game, the fanaticism of the media and the behavior of fans as well as athletes."
Yes, the behavior of fans. Read in this ESPN story about the lawyer wrapped up in the scandal at Ohio State and take a moment to consider the intersection of sports, money, and delusional behavior. So we're in the final stages of planning for our migration to Boston for a visit to Fenway Park and the offices of the Boston Red Sox, Northeastern University's Sport in Society Foundation, Metro Lacrosse, the Boston Blazers Indoor Lacrosse team, and a meet-up with CSN New England sports personality Chris Collins, a 1986 graduate of New Hampton School.
Mar 4, 2011
Stem Cell Research in Boston
On this JUA trip, our group Life against Life, is going to investigate both sides of the hot topic of stem cell research. To do so we have set up meetings with Harvard Medical professors at their Stem Cell Institute, as well as setting up a meeting with a pro life educator, and finally visiting MIT’s medical research facilities. We are looking forward to learning the whole story, the pros and cons of stem cell research and, how in the near future someone we know, or how we could be saved by the research that is going on right now. We are also excited about touring MIT and Harvard.
Is it equal?
On June 23, 1972, Congress passed Title IX, a ground breaking decision which outlawed discrimination based on sex in any educational program or activity receiving federal funding. Now, in 2011, has this monumental act of congress changed the game for women? Currently, how are women perceived in athletics? Are there physical limitations involved, could we do a better job offering equal opportunities from a developmental perspective, or is it even possible to sustain professional athletics for women? On March 22nd, Erin Moran, Anna Menke, Mariele Chambers, Jenny Currie, Liz Elcock, Taylor Huyck, Katie Koenig, Nicole Magee, and Jackie Mazur will head down to the Sports Hub of the nation to attempt to answer these questions and many more! The visit will include stops to Boston University, the Boston Bruins, and the Boston Blades of the CWHL. Keep following for more updates!
This Pill Will Make You Feel Better
Modern medicine has transformed health in the world: we live longer and more productive lives. Yet even as medicines have improved our lives they have shown us the dark side of human nature. Prescription drug abuse, illegal drug use and crime are all closely related. This group will examine the technologies that lead to the production of new medicines and also explore issues related to their misuse. Our group members are Jay Baek, Raymond Boly, AnneMarie Fana, Tanner Klock, Scott Miller, Steph Myers, Chip Nolan and Danya Gordin. We will be touring Merck and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy just to name a few places!
Mar 3, 2011
Twitter 101
Hi folks, we are going to be using Twitter during the JUA to invite parents, teachers and friends to join us as we go about our program in Boston. We will even be able to see what other groups are doing while we are out and about.
To view our Twitter stream you don't even need to have an account! I've embedded the feed for #NHSJUA over on the right sidebar there.
If you want to tweet along with us you will need a Twitter account and a cell phone with a text message plan. Please note that although Twitter doesn't cost anything standard text messaging rates do apply. Don't join in on Twitter if you don't have an unlimited (or very large) text messaging plan on your phone!
To get started check out this tutorial video and let me know if you have any questions:
A good tweet is short (140 characters or less), honest but appropriate, thoughtful and avoids slang and text message speak. For example, "omg lol that was crazy" isn't a great tweet while, "About to visit with the Business School at Harvard!" is a fantastic!
To view our Twitter stream you don't even need to have an account! I've embedded the feed for #NHSJUA over on the right sidebar there.
If you want to tweet along with us you will need a Twitter account and a cell phone with a text message plan. Please note that although Twitter doesn't cost anything standard text messaging rates do apply. Don't join in on Twitter if you don't have an unlimited (or very large) text messaging plan on your phone!
To get started check out this tutorial video and let me know if you have any questions:
A good tweet is short (140 characters or less), honest but appropriate, thoughtful and avoids slang and text message speak. For example, "omg lol that was crazy" isn't a great tweet while, "About to visit with the Business School at Harvard!" is a fantastic!
Science of Shopping
The Science of Shopping group is off to a good start. Roles have been assigned and students should be emailing our senior leader, Connor Slover, 3 essential questions before friday. We have an appointment on March 22nd at Natixis Global Investments on Boylston street to talk about marketing. We are waiting to hear from the Head of Marketing at Marshals for a meeting on teh 23rd. Everyone is looking forward to a well deserved break!
Feb 28, 2011
Group Meetings This Week
Hi folks - there are several JUA group meetings this week. Here's what we'll be up to:
Class Meeting Tuesday, March 1
Class Meeting Tuesday, March 1
- Review purpose of the JUA
- Review your planned agenda
- Group work: Formulate guiding questions, consider final project
- To Do: What should you do during free time?
- To Check: Did everyone sign up for a roommate?
- Review dates of JUA
- Review packing list
- Review code of conduct, safety & assessment guidelines
- Group work: Research and prepare for interviews, decide on group roles
- To Do: Make first blog post
- To Check: Any travel issues we don’t already know about?
Feb 8, 2011
Topic Areas
Check out the topics we think we will be studying this year. Ideas are still coming in so I'll post updates here as I get them.
Women in Pro Sports (NEW)
Mr. Churchill
Why aren’t there more female pro sports teams? Are we as a society biased against the female athlete? This group will explore the issue of female pro sports, girls athletic programs, and the business that is pro-athletics. Students interested in women’s sports, gender fairness and combating sexism might be interested in this group.
Global Voices (NEW)
Mr. Fisk
Americans (even open minded and worldly Americans) see the world from a certain point of view. This point of view is rooted in western values, christian beliefs, the English language, and dominant economic and cultural perspectives. But the world is a vastly more diverse place. This group will explore our cultural biases, dig deep into several different cultural traditions and reflect how our history informs our world view. Students interested in other cultures and languages or students who just like to meet new people and talk about new ideas might be interested in this group.
The Science of Shopping (Revised Description)
Mr. Buck
Did you know that marketers position the shopping season’s most hyped toys at child eye level on store shelves? Did you know that budget shortfalls in many districts are forcing schools to allow marketing inside classrooms? If the price is $89.00 isn't that the same thing as $90? This group will explore the power of marketing to affect how and what we buy and what (or who) is really being sold. Students interested in marketing, business and media awareness might be interested in this group.
Life Against Life
Ms. Kang
What if you were told a life saving treatment was available for you or someone in your family but Federal law prevented the treatment from being developed? Stem cell research is a controversial debate: should humans ‘play God’ when determining who lives and doesn’t live? If stem cells can cure cancer and other diseases why aren’t we exploring this treatment to the fullest? Students interested in careers in medicine, science or who enjoy discussing ethics might be interested in this group.
Gridlock?
Mr. Kozens
Every day in the news we hear stories about how our government is polarized, gridlocked and unable to take care of ‘Main Street’ but are these stories really true, or is this just more political rhetoric? This group will explore the political system in the United States from the Democrats to the Republicans and even the Tea Party. Students who are interested in politics, careers in government or who want to better understand how the American democracy works might be interested in this group.
It’s not a Game it’s a Franchise
Mr. McCulloch
Pro sports is a multi-billion dollar industry in the United States with the top players making millions of dollars a game. How has the media attention, high financial stakes and focus on star players changed the games we love? Aren’t sports about trying your best and playing fair no matter if you win or loose? This group will explore how big business has changed athletics, what it does to individual players and what we can do about it. Students who are interested in careers in sports management, business or enjoy sports might be interested in this group.
This Pill Will Help You Feel Better
Ms. Lane
Modern medicine has transformed health in the world: we live longer and more productive lives. Yet even as medicines have improved our lives they have shown us the dark side of human nature. Prescription drug abuse, illegal drug use and crime are all closely related. This group will examine the technologies that lead to the production of new medicines and also explore issues related to their misuse. Students interested in careers in medicine, science or who care about reversing the issue of drug abuse might be interested in this group.
Race, Justice and Law
Ms. Frame
Why do young black men make up a much greater proportion of people in prison than any other demographic? Is the justice system in the United States biased against minorities? This group will explore the system of justice in America and explore issues of fairness and racial profiling. Students interested in careers in law, government or who are interested in social justice might find this group interesting.
New Media
Mr. York & Ms. Wilson
Do you need to have millions of dollars and connections in LA to make a hit series any more? In a world of file sharing how do young musicians make any money? New media has brought new opportunities and new problems for creative artists. This group will explore the artists, labels and venues seeking to capitalize on the new media landscape. Students interested in careers in music, film, or new media might be interested in this group.
Women in Pro Sports (NEW)
Mr. Churchill
Why aren’t there more female pro sports teams? Are we as a society biased against the female athlete? This group will explore the issue of female pro sports, girls athletic programs, and the business that is pro-athletics. Students interested in women’s sports, gender fairness and combating sexism might be interested in this group.
Global Voices (NEW)
Mr. Fisk
Americans (even open minded and worldly Americans) see the world from a certain point of view. This point of view is rooted in western values, christian beliefs, the English language, and dominant economic and cultural perspectives. But the world is a vastly more diverse place. This group will explore our cultural biases, dig deep into several different cultural traditions and reflect how our history informs our world view. Students interested in other cultures and languages or students who just like to meet new people and talk about new ideas might be interested in this group.
The Science of Shopping (Revised Description)
Mr. Buck
Did you know that marketers position the shopping season’s most hyped toys at child eye level on store shelves? Did you know that budget shortfalls in many districts are forcing schools to allow marketing inside classrooms? If the price is $89.00 isn't that the same thing as $90? This group will explore the power of marketing to affect how and what we buy and what (or who) is really being sold. Students interested in marketing, business and media awareness might be interested in this group.
Life Against Life
Ms. Kang
What if you were told a life saving treatment was available for you or someone in your family but Federal law prevented the treatment from being developed? Stem cell research is a controversial debate: should humans ‘play God’ when determining who lives and doesn’t live? If stem cells can cure cancer and other diseases why aren’t we exploring this treatment to the fullest? Students interested in careers in medicine, science or who enjoy discussing ethics might be interested in this group.
Gridlock?
Mr. Kozens
Every day in the news we hear stories about how our government is polarized, gridlocked and unable to take care of ‘Main Street’ but are these stories really true, or is this just more political rhetoric? This group will explore the political system in the United States from the Democrats to the Republicans and even the Tea Party. Students who are interested in politics, careers in government or who want to better understand how the American democracy works might be interested in this group.
It’s not a Game it’s a Franchise
Mr. McCulloch
Pro sports is a multi-billion dollar industry in the United States with the top players making millions of dollars a game. How has the media attention, high financial stakes and focus on star players changed the games we love? Aren’t sports about trying your best and playing fair no matter if you win or loose? This group will explore how big business has changed athletics, what it does to individual players and what we can do about it. Students who are interested in careers in sports management, business or enjoy sports might be interested in this group.
This Pill Will Help You Feel Better
Ms. Lane
Modern medicine has transformed health in the world: we live longer and more productive lives. Yet even as medicines have improved our lives they have shown us the dark side of human nature. Prescription drug abuse, illegal drug use and crime are all closely related. This group will examine the technologies that lead to the production of new medicines and also explore issues related to their misuse. Students interested in careers in medicine, science or who care about reversing the issue of drug abuse might be interested in this group.
Race, Justice and Law
Ms. Frame
Why do young black men make up a much greater proportion of people in prison than any other demographic? Is the justice system in the United States biased against minorities? This group will explore the system of justice in America and explore issues of fairness and racial profiling. Students interested in careers in law, government or who are interested in social justice might find this group interesting.
New Media
Mr. York & Ms. Wilson
Do you need to have millions of dollars and connections in LA to make a hit series any more? In a world of file sharing how do young musicians make any money? New media has brought new opportunities and new problems for creative artists. This group will explore the artists, labels and venues seeking to capitalize on the new media landscape. Students interested in careers in music, film, or new media might be interested in this group.
Jan 25, 2011
JUA 10-11 Theme Announced
Inspiring students to take action to ‘reverse’ an issue that the feel strongly about, that’s JUA 2010. The JUA has three parts: learn about an issue, do something about it, and share your experience with others. This is social-media based, urban experiential learning: students will be blogging and tweeting as they go, working to create good in the world.
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