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If you have ever dreamed of a way to experience life at MPA in a day, the PreK-12 Preview is the perfect opportunity to discover why you belong here. You and your entire family are warmly invited to attend the MPA Preview on Sunday, January 22 at 2 PM.<\/p>\n
This event will provide prospective families with an opportunity to truly discover the type of remarkable hands-on learning that MPA students do each day. You will rotate among several classes taught by our expert faculty. These will be interactive, experiential sessions that are actually abbreviated versions of real MPA lessons, modified to be appropriate for all ages.<\/p>\n
LOWER SCHOOL SESSIONS<\/strong><\/p>\n Ukulele Jam & Puppet Problem Solving <\/strong> Kindergarten Math Pizzeria<\/strong> A Striking Good Time <\/strong> What\u2019s the Matter? Everything! (But nothing a genie can\u2019t fix!)<\/em><\/strong> Snowflake Printmaking <\/strong> Makerspace Marble Roll <\/strong> MIDDLE SCHOOL SESSIONS<\/strong><\/p>\n Drawing Machines<\/strong> \u201cHow To\u201d Writing<\/strong> An Intro To Middle School Band <\/strong> Marshmallow Catapults <\/strong> Team Games<\/strong> Identity Circle<\/strong> UPPER SCHOOL SESSIONS<\/strong><\/p>\n The Power Of Yes<\/strong> An Interdisciplinary Approach To American Studies<\/strong> The Magic Of Soap<\/strong> Image Analysis<\/strong> Spacial Relationships + Creative Problem-solving With Clay<\/strong> Chemical Reactions Challenge<\/strong>
\nTwo of our favorite PreK activities in one! Gather around to learn silly songs strummed on the ukulele while uncovering social-emotional problem-solving skills with puppet friends.<\/p>\n
\nThe MPA Math Pizzeria is open for business! In this lesson, the group will read a pop-up book together, then will have a chance to make “pizzas” with math and physical shapes.<\/p>\n
\nLearn and play fun striking activities that will improve hand-eye coordination and reaction time while building confidence in a variety of physical education activities that can also be played at home.<\/p>\n
\nIn Lower School, students learn about the wonders of science through hands-on experiences and a little bit of magic. Can four basic rules really be at the heart of all the color-changing, balloon-inflating, and hand-warming fun? Or is it magic words that make things work? Join us to explore these questions. Children who participate will need to be comfortable wearing protective goggles.<\/p>\n
\nAfter a simple introduction to printmaking techniques for young artists, visitors will create a few prints of fun winter snowflakes to take home!<\/p>\n
\nReady, set, roll! This beloved fourth grade Makerspace activity requires teamwork, creativity, patience, and enthusiasm.<\/p>\n
\nKeith Braafladt Makerspace
\nA hands-on Makerspace experience! This group will be led to use a motor circuit to create a machine that draws custom marks, patterns, and designs.<\/p>\n
\n“How To” writing is an art form! To successfully complete a task, the instructions need to be clearly and concisely written, each word thoughtfully chosen. Participants will give this a shot, dividing into two groups to write a set of simple instructions for their partners. Afterward, we’ll swap writings and see who’s successful!<\/p>\n
\nGet a taste of what Middle School Band at MPA is like. Experience an overview of what opportunities we offer to our students, from weekly private lessons to full group rehearsals, culminating in performances. Middle School Band at MPA is a truly special place to be!<\/p>\n
\nIn Middle School science, we study simple machines and do a lot with experimental design. Marshmallow catapults are a fun way to collect data and learn to graph in Excel. Using the different angles can be applied to sports, and when things don\u2019t go as planned, it leads to a good discussion about control of variables and all of the possible things that can go wrong when experimenting.<\/p>\n
\nAt MPA, collaboration is key. Team games, like the student-favorite Nitroball, help build community and focus on our mission and values.<\/p>\n
\nThis session explores the identity circle exercise that our 5\/6 and 7\/8 affinity groups use to check in with and deepen their understanding of their own identities.<\/p>\n
\nThe Power of Yes is all about the hidden potential wrapped up within us. In theatre, we learn to say ‘yes’ to our ideas, our instincts, and our creativity. We also build connections with others by saying ‘yes’ to them and all they have to offer. The Power of Yes is a simple idea that opens up an infinite number of possibilities within and around us.<\/p>\n
\nStudents will be led through poems and images to explore the different identities of our nation. These will be the base for a discussion about how our nation has defined itself throughout history.<\/p>\n
\nHow do water and soap work, and how do they work together? This session is an exploration of how amphipathic molecules (soap) associate with water and how that is related to cell membranes.<\/p>\n
\nLooking at images in small groups, students will first look at just one section of a piece of historical artwork. Then, as a group, you will analyze, discuss, and make predictions for each of them and based on what is seen.<\/p>\n
\nUnderstanding spacial relationships by building forms in clay helps students learn to design in 3-dimensions, take risks, problem solve, and physically create forms that stem from the question of, \u201cWhat if?\u201d Join us in the studio for a joyful demonstration in the Visual Art department and learn why art is an essential element of all our students\u2019 education.<\/p>\n
\nThis lesson will require skillful observation\u2013are you up for the challenge? You will see and experience how Upper School scientists participate in labs, mixing colorful chemicals and analyzing all of the different reactions that they make.<\/p>\n