May Term is back! During this two-week academic program, Upper School students and teachers are exploring a diversity of innovative topics in great depth. Each week, we will provide highlights from some of the courses our students are participating in during May Term. To get daily updates of their exciting journeys near and far, follow us on Instagram or the May Term Twitter.
We also encourage you to view a photo slideshow from week one.
Exploring the Hispanic World
It has been a cultural immersion for students as they explore the impact and influence of Hispanics in our society through film, food, dance, art, history, and service. During week one, students enjoyed a salsa lesson by Salsa in the Suburbs, traveled to the Penn Museum and Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian, had a music lesson with Jeff Torchon of Conjunto Philadelphia, took a virtual tour of Museo del Barrio, enjoyed Mexican cuisine, and watched films such as Buena Vista Social Club and También la lluvia.
Science and Engineering in Action
Focusing on the history and future of transportation, Science and Engineering in Action invites students to observe and participate in a variety of science and engineering activities. This week, students learned about propulsion systems aboard the Battleship New Jersey, the evolution of railroad travel at the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum, and coal mining operations and safety at the No. 9 Coal Mine.
The Balkans: Cultural Crossroads
After a long day of travel, our students arrived in the Balkans and have been explored the depths of Croatia. From seeing the Cathedral of Zagreb, feasting on traditionally-cooked meats, learning about the history of the neck tie, hiking around the waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park, enjoying pizza with a view of the Adriatic Sea, and walking around Split and Mostar, there is no shortage of fun and culture.
Food and Community
In Food and Community, students work closely with food bank site coordinators and the people they serve to learn about issues like food deserts and food insecurity. In their first week, the class prepared food for St. David's Church, packed boxes of food for the elderly, prepared meals at set up tables for Chosen 300 Ministries, and planted crops for Chester County Food Bank.
Bartram and Winterthur
Inspired by Winterthur Museum and Bartram Gardens, students in this course learn about floral native species, the influence of industrialization, the business side of the textile industry, and how Westward Expansion made an impact in the region. This week, students worked in the greenhouse at Bartram Gardens, learned about book and textile conservation at the Winterthur Museum, and met EA Horticulturist Emily Reuther.
Disconnect to Connect
In this outdoor team-building course, students have been exploring ways to find joy in the outdoors: no screens needed! Through day trips to the Reading Phillies, Ridley Creek State Park, the Philadelphia Zoo, Hawk Mountain, and paintball at Skirmish Fields, the students have been enjoying adventures close to our our backyard.
Art rEvolution
In this course, students experience in-depth studio-based assignments and travel to Philadelphia, DC, and NYC area museums and galleries. Students created ceramic vessels, toured Grounds for Sculpture with artist Roberto Lugo, learned about impressionism at the Barnes, and sketched at MoMA.
Ireland: North Circle
The Emerald Isle has been providing adventures galore for our students on the Ireland trip. This week, the students explored Newgrange Tomb, Dublin Castle, the Titantic exhibition and Peace Wall in Belfast, took a mini Game of Thrones tour, and took a walk along the coast in County Antrim.
Takin' It to the Streets
Spreading joy through music is what this May Term course has been all about! After two days of rehearsals, these students used this week to travel to Overbook Education Center, Reading Terminal Market, Colgate Elementary in Baltimore, and Rittenhouse Square to share their voices. Next week: New York!
100 Seconds to Midnight
Climate change and sustainable energy sources are on the minds of students in this course. After looking at renewable energy strategies, sustainability choices, and climate change, students ventured out on trips this week to the Philadelphia Zoo to discuss conservation and endangered animals, as well as a wind farm and water treatment plant in Atlantic City.