Upper School Maymester Coursebook : simplebooklet.com

WELCOME TO UPPER SCHOOL MAYMESTER! This unique and immersive program is designed to provide students with an opportunity to explore their personal passions, gain practical skills, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them through experiential learning. Over the course of the week, you will embark on a transformative journey of exploration, engagement, and personal growth.Students can expect to engage in a variety of learning activities, from direct instruction to hands-on learning to ﬁeld experiences. Anchored in the philosophy of experiential education, students will have the opportunity to engage, understand, apply, and own their learning in a way that is unique to the program. At the conclusion of Maymester, students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their learning during our Mayme-ster Expo.This coursebook is a reﬂection of the passions, interests, and dedication of our faculty members. Faculty members in the Upper School have intentionally created courses that examine a topic, subject, or ﬁeld of study that they ﬁnd to be worthwhile. Our enthusiastic, dedicated faculty members have been inspired by their own passions to curate these exciting learning opportunities for students.We hope you ﬁnd this guide to be both interesting and exciting. In the following pages, you will learn more about the Maymester program as well as our course offerings for 2025. Andrew JonesDirector of MaymesterDr. Jonathan MerrillUpper School PrincipalRonda ZentsUpper School Assistant PrincipalJenifer BaroAlex BraggTim CoatsJulie HallEvan McDonaldChris MyersJaimie SpetserisMatt TilfordNick WidenerINTRODUCTIONUPPER SCHOOL MAYMESTER STEERING COMMITTEE

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4MISSION, VISION & PURPOSEThe Maymester program exists to advance the mission of Woodward Academy. By blending real-world experiences and cross-disciplinary studies, the program will foster a “richer learning community.” By enrolling students based on their passion rather than their grade level, the program will “intentionally bring together students from diverse backgrounds.” By focusing on the philosophy of experiential learning, the program will provide “exceptional academic opportunities” for students.The vision of the Maymester program is to continue to promote ambitious teaching and learning practices within our school community. Guided by our strategic plan, the Maymester program will provide more real-world learning opportunities to students in order to provide an “unparalleled student experience.” We believe when students are immersed in experiential learning, learning retention occurs at its highest level. This vision is aligned with Woodward’s vision of being a “national model” among indepen-dent schools.Overall, the purpose of the Maymester program is to enrich the educational experi-ence of our students by providing them with unique opportunities for learning in an authentic setting. By aligning with the mission and vision of Woodward Academy, the Maymester program will serve as an integral part of our educational program.PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTSAmbitious Teaching & Learning: This Maymester program is not conﬁned to a traditional classroom. Instead, students will engage in hands-on learning experiences in a variety of settings in their school and local communitiesInterdisciplinary Approach: Experiential learning ﬂourishes with interdisciplinary collaboration. Students from various academic backgrounds will come together to solve real-world problems, fostering creativity and innovative thinking. Teachers also will partner cross-departmentally to provide a unique learning environment.Reﬂective Practice: A fundamental aspect of experiential learning is focused reﬂection. Through guided journaling or group discussions, students will reﬂect on their experiences, analyze their growth, and connect these insights to their academic, personal, and career aspirations.Community Connection: Giving back to the community is an integral part of this program. Students will collaborate on service projects that make a positive impact on the places they visit, strengthening their sense of social responsibility. Maymest

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5SPORTS, WELLNESS & LEI-SURELEADERSHIP, ENTREPRENEUR-SHIP & CAREER EXPLORATIONTHEATRE, MUSIC & THE ARTSCOURSE SELECTION PROCESSIn the following pages, you will ﬁnd a list of intentionally curated courses created by our creative faculty members. Each course will offer a unique experience and insight into a topic about which our faculty members are passionate. Students are encouraged to select courses that align with their passions and interests, or courses in which they desire to learn more about a topic.Students will have the opportunity to “rank” their choices when registering for courses in January. Students should consider eight courses that they are either passionate about or interested in to rank during the registration process. Preferential treatment will be given based on seniority, but all students should expect to be enrolled in one of the courses they select.When choosing which courses to register for, students should pay special attention to the course code (ex: 25MM01). This code will be used to identify each course on the regis-tration form.COURSE CATEGORIESBelow you will ﬁnd a list of categories of Maymester courses. These categories attempt to organize the offerings into thematic groupings so students can more easily explore their passions and interests. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & DESIGNHISTORY, SOCIETY & CULTURESERVICE, COMMUNITY & SOCIAL JUSTICELITERATURE, CREATIVE WRITING & STORYTELLING“ABOVE & BEYOND” DOMESTIC TRAVEL EXPERIENCESINTERNATIONALPROGRAMS

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6REFLECTION & ASSESSMENT Throughout the course of Maymester, students will be reﬂecting on the concrete ex-periences with which they are involved. The culmination of the Maymester week is the Showcase Project, in which students will present their learning to their peers. This Show-case Project could be journals, audio/video logs, presentations, peer-reviewed work, or performances, and will be designed by the teacher of the course. The completion of the Showcase Project will serve as an assessment for the course. The Maymester experience ends with Maymester Expo, a day in which students will have the chance to share these projects with their peers.GRADUATION REQUIREMENTSWe hope that all students are eager to step out of their comfort zones, explore new environments, and engage in meaningful experiential learning. Students should have a strong desire to learn, grow, and embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with an immersive educational journey. Students will not receive traditional grades (A, B, C, D, F) but rather all Maymester courses will be assessed as Pass/Fail. The successful completion of the Maymester program is a graduation requirement for all students.ATTENDANCE POLICYBecause successful completion of the Maymester program is a requirement for grad-uation, student attendance is expected and required throughout Maymester week. Students who miss more than three days of the Maymester program will be required to remediate during the summer. Note: Students who are taking AP Exams during the ﬁrst week of Maymester are excused from participating on the day of their AP Exam.COSTBecause Woodward Academy believes that Maymester is an integral part of our educa-tional program, students will not be required to pay an additional fee for their Maymester course. The only exception to this is if a student chooses an “Above and Beyond” domestic travel experience or an international program, which include overnight travel. The additional cost of those courses are noted in the coursebook.

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7SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & DESIGNCOURSE CODE: 25MM01 FOOD SCIENCE Have you ever wondered why we can’t easily make bread without gluten? Do you know the difference between baking soda and baking powder—and why it matters? Why can’t you make pineapple ﬂavored gelatin? Learn the answer to these questions and many more with science. This course is designed as a hands-on exploration of applied chemistry. Learn (or review) fundamental chemistry topics such as molecular structure and chemical reactions (as seen through food!). Then test your understanding through experiments involving food products you know, and maybe a few you don’t.COURSE CODE: 25MM02 THE ART OF VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR Students will learn how to perform basic maintenance and repair on vehicles, and they also will have a basic understanding of how vehicles work. Students will tear down engines and rebuild them and learn to diagnose and repair vehicles.COURSE CODE: 25MM03 INTRODUCTION TO GAME DESIGN Dive into the world of game design! You’ll explore classic board and card games, analyzing their mechanics and dynamics. Learn the principles of engaging gameplay, balanced challenges, and player motivation. Apply your newfound knowledge to create and playtest your very own original game. Get ready to think, play, and innovate!COURSE CODE: 25MM04 YELLOW RIVER WILDLIFE SANCTUARY This course offers students the opportunity to engage in meaningful community service while learning about wildlife conservation at the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary. Students will participate in hands-on projects aimed at protecting and preserving local wildlife habitats, while developing important skills in teamwork, ethical decision-mak-ing, and environmental stewardship. Through direct involvement with sanctuary staff, volunteers, and the local community, students will gain a deep understanding of the importance of wildlife conservation and sustainability practices.COURSE CODE: 25MM05 CRIME, FORENSICS, FACTS, AND FILM This Maymester course is an examination of Hollywood’s portrayal of several notable murders and attempted murders that have relationships to aspects of forensic science. The speciﬁc forensic concepts include: document analysis, blood evidence and blood spatter, bite mark analysis, poisons, and crime scene interpretation and analysis. For a movie maker, which is more important, audience engagement or accurate repre-sentation of the facts of the case? Does a movie inﬂuence the perceived innocence or guilt of the perpetrator(s)? Does a ﬁlm create empathy and/or sympathy more for the perpetrator or the victim? If so, is this inﬂuence coincidental or purposeful on the part of the ﬁlm studio? The director? The actors? Students will be presented with a synopsis of several movies that center around forensic concepts. We will study the actual case and view the ﬁlm, comparing and contrasting the two. At the conclusion of the course, students will choose one of the ﬁlms viewed and express their ideas and feelings on the proposed questions.

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8SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & DESIGNCOURSE CODE: 25MM06 THE CHEMISTRY OF FOOD In this course, students will carry out 10-14 experiments that use food as a means to explore crucial chemistry concepts and to investigate complex questions involving food. Some discussion will occur daily to provide relevant background and ensure that connections are made between food and the experiments. Examples of the experi-ments that students will perform include “Food is Fuel,” “Cooking Under Pressure,” “What’s the Difference Between Baking Soda and Baking Powder?,” “Fermenting Carbohydrates,” “Glowing Energy Drinks,” and “Using Polarimetry to Identify Sugars and Sweeteners.” Students will use common lab equipment as well as LabQuest for data collection along with associated probes such as CO2 sensors, pH sensors, spec-trophotometers, oxidation-reduction potential sensors, polarimeters, ethanol sensors, and conductivity probes. Note: This is not a cooking class--students will be performing experiments. No cooking of food will take place.COURSE CODE: 25MM07 TIME AND SPACE THROUGH TIME AND PLACE Space and time are the basic organizing “dimensions” of experience, and yet they are “hard to put your ﬁnger on,” and humanity’s ways of describing, deﬁning, and dealing with them have varied across cultures, and time itself. Languages, religions, and science have wrestled with questions about space and time, all over the world, throughout history. Do they go on “forever”? Is time linear, or cyclical? Why do we experience it as “passing”? Why is space “divided” into three dimensions? In this course, we will explore how people have conceived of “where” and “when,” and how these dimensions get tangled up ranging from the Australian aboriginal concept of the past being toward the east and the future toward the west, through the use of tense and prepositions in language, to Einstein’s theories of relativity, which present all sorts of mind-bending consequences. We will use online articles and videos, view excerpts from movies, and engage in brainstorming and discussion. And we will actu-ally learn exactly why your twin, who ﬂies off on a round trip to another star at almost the speed of light, will be much younger than you when she gets home, and why time is seen to “stop” at the event horizon of a black hole! COURSE CODE: 25MM56 GIRLS HAVE THE POWER…TOOLS Are you creative and like to make things? If so, this course is for you! It is about creating a space where girls can feel empowered to bring together tools and materials to create amazing things and, at the end of the day, be able to say “I built that!” Girls enrolled in this course will be introduced to a variety of power tools through a hands-on project that merges engineering, construction, and art. Projects may encompass decorative items for your home, customized organizers that can follow you to college, or up-cycled furniture for your room made from repurposed goods. In the process, girls will learn new skills that will give them the independence and power to be an active partic-ipant in any aspect of their world.

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9HISTORY, SOCIETY & CULTURECOURSE CODE: 25MM08BECOMING A FOOD CRITIC: EXPLORING ATLANTA’S CULINARY SCENEDive into the world of food journalism with this immersive Maymester course, where students will step into the shoes of professional food critics and learn how Atlanta’s food scene has become one of the nation’s best in the past 20 years. This unique expe-rience offers an insider’s look at the art and craft of food criticism, blending hands-on learning with real-world applications. Students will have the opportunity to learn from experts, and create and share their culinary experiences. Students will document their culinary experiences by writing thoughtful and engaging food reviews and publish-ing them on a personal blog or social media page that they will create as part of the course, allowing them to share their culinary journeys with a broader audience. By the end of the course, students will not only have honed their writing skills but also will have developed a nuanced understanding of food writing. They will leave with a portfolio of published reviews, ready to explore further opportunities in the world of food journalism.COURSE CODE: 25MM09EXPERIENCING PSYCHOLOGYThis course will provide students with a hands-on introduction to key concepts in the social science of psychology, including but not limited to the biological bases of human behavior, sensation and perception, consciousness, human lifespan development, positive psychology, personality, social psychology, and the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders. Students will learn the concepts through a range of activities such as discussions/debates, labs, psychological testing, ﬁlm screenings, projects/ presentations, and more!COURSE CODE: 25MM10HAPPINESS AND WELL BEINGAre you happy? Is it difﬁcult for you to ﬁnd joy in your life? This course strives to unlock the keys to happiness and to provide students with strategies to increase their “happi-ness quotient” and overall well being so they may live a more fulﬁlled and meaningful life. We’ll deﬁne “happiness” and learn what factors/strategies contribute to greater happiness in your life. We’ll explore the study of happiness in the growing ﬁeld of positive psychology and discuss ideas from the Dalai Lama and other experts. We’ll measure your happiness level at the beginning of the course and engage in daily jour-naling to implement strategies to improve your overall happiness. We will stress the importance of friendship, gratitude, compassion, and savoring the simple joys of life as keys to greater happiness as well as the impact of exercise, diet, and sleep to one’s overall well being. Happiness is a choice—embrace joy and change your life!COURSE CODE: 25MM11LATIN CRASH COURSECome and learn the ins and outs of the language of ancient Rome and its empire! In this course, we’ll focus not just on the grammatical aspects of the language, but also learn about the Romans themselves. By the end of this course, you’ll be able to read short Latin texts and know a lot more about the Romans!

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10COURSE CODE: 25MM12RESEARCH ACROSS THE WORLD: THE 2025-2026 POLICY DEBATE TOPICThis course will introduce students to the 2025-2026 policy debate topic with a deep dive into one of ﬁve global areas: the Arctic, East Asia, South Asia, India, or Non-State areas. After a brief set of introductory materials, students will conduct individual research projects. By the end of the Maymester, students will have prepared a set of materials to be able to have practice debates on the ﬁnal day(s) of the session. The ﬁnal topic area selection will be announced on January 10 on Woodward Debate social media (@woodwarddebate.) Note: Students need not be participating in debate for 2025-2026 to join this Maymester, but they should have some experience with policy debate research.COURSE CODE: 25MM13HISTORY AND CULTURE OF GAME SHOWSCome on down and learn about the amazing history of television game shows! There are announcers, hosts, contestants, strategy, and of course, all kinds of fabulous prizes. Think trips, cars, and cash! We will take a look at early game shows. You will uncover the pro-found cultural impact these shows have had on society: Name that Tune, The Gong Show, Match Game, Card Sharks, Family Feud, Press Your Luck, Tic-Tac-Dough, Deal or No Deal. You will probably recognize the names of at least a few of the hosts. In 1973 this game show host made his American television debut in “Wizard of Odds.” The question, “Who is Alex Trebek?” There’s Bob Barker (of course!), Drew Carey, Monty Hall, Wayne Brady, Wink Martindale, Regis Philbin, Pat Sajak, and many more. Join us as a contestant on the most fun ﬁlled Maymester of the season: Game Shows!COURSE CODE: 25MM14CORNERSTONES OF THE DREAM: AN EXPLORATION OF HISTORY, FAITH, AND CIVIL RIGHTS FROM SELMA AND MONTGOMERY TO ATLANTAThe course proposes to engage students in exploring the rich and diverse civil rights history from Selma, Montgomery, and Atlanta through the lenses of leaders of this era. Students will dig deeper into the cornerstones of these times and make connections to present day.COURSE CODE: 25MM15THE U.S. CIVIL WAR 1864 BATTLE FOR ATLANTAThe goal of the course is to arrive at an in-depth understanding of the U.S. Civil War battle for Atlanta, its political, military, cultural, and historic signiﬁcance, how it was conducted and the major players directly or indirectly involved, including leaders in the anti-slavery movement. Wars are dramatic events, to say the least, affecting citizens of all life circumstances, values, and hopes for the future. Students will approach the Battle for Atlanta in a scholarly and empathetic way. They will visit a battleﬁeld of the war and a museum in the Atlanta area. They will connect the past to the present: we learn who we are by where we’ve been. Note: Studying the Civil War, one will encoun-ter acts of heroism. One will also encounter tragic acts of violence and racism.HISTORY, SOCIETY & CULTURE

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11COURSE CODE: 25MM16DIVERSITY IN THE ARTS: HOW AFRICAN AMERICANS, WOMEN, NATIVE AMERICANS, ASIAN AMERICANS, AND LGBTQ COMMUNITIES FOUGHT FOR INCLUSION IN THE ARTS.In the 1950s, Hollywood began to make slow, measured progress toward embracing diversity with regard to gender, race, ethnicity, and religion. This course will trace the evolution of plurality in the arts, and students will examine select ﬁlms through the critical lenses of inclusivity and diversity with an emphasis on the African American and Asian inﬂuence in cinema, along with a look at the changing role of women in the industry. “Diversity in the Arts” will highlight a study of the history of ﬁlm, a look at local artists, and a tour of local theatrical venues. Students will ultimately reﬂect on their experiences with a digital portfolio that showcases the unique perspectives gained through the course.COURSE CODE: 25MM17HISTORY OF ROCKIn this course we will explore the history of rock music, from its origins in blues, country, and gospel, through its various evolutions over the years. Special attention will be given to rock’s relationship to American culture, and how the genre has reﬂected changing attitudes toward race, class, and gender.COURSE CODE: 25MM18FILM AND PHILOSOPHYWho are we? How do we know what we know? What is the meaning of life? In this Maymester course, we will ask these three major ontological, epistemological, and existential questions while going on a philosophical journey with characters in con-temporary ﬁlms by Spike Jonze, Angela Schanelec, and Charlie Kaufman. Those who are interested in ﬁlm studies and philosophy are most welcome to apply. Readings and viewings will be in English. COURSE CODE: 25MM19LORD OF THE RINGS: NATURAL HISTORY, PHILOSOPHY, AND FUNWe will dive into the world of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit by partaking in “second breakfast” like Hobbits. We will then learn about the natural history of J.R.R. Tolkien’s work including discussing the animals and plants that inhabit Middle Earth. We will watch some portions of the movies to see how Tolkien used things in the real world to inﬂuence Middle Earth. Students will discuss how good and evil are portrayed in Lord of the Rings and how they are portrayed in more modern fantasy literature. We will end Maymester by learning how LOTR has inﬂuenced modern fantasy and role-playing games by creating characters and playing games.COURSE CODE: 25MM20HISPANIC GASTRONOMY: TAPAS AND TANGOThis Maymester course will immerse students in the rich and diverse culinary tradi-tions of Hispanic cultures, with a particular focus on Spain, Argentina, Peru, and other Spanish-speaking countries’ gastronomy. We also will explore how Hispanic gastronomy is integrated in Atlanta. Through a combination of lectures, cooking demonstrations, ﬁeld trips, and hands-on cooking experiences, students will explore the historical, cultural, and social signiﬁcance of Hispanic gastronomy.HISTORY, SOCIETY & CULTURE

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12COURSE CODE: 25MM21HELPING HANDS: SERVICE LEARNINGHave you wondered why Woodward Academy has a service hour requirement? Do you want to earn service hours while you learn more about the needs of underserved people in your community? This course offers a blend of classroom education about real-world issues impacting the College Park and greater Atlanta communities with hands-on service experiences. We will learn from and visit organizations including the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Love Beyond Walls, Family Life Ministries, Furnish With Love, Bloom Closet, Horizons Atlanta, and the Woodward Academy Community Garden. This course fulﬁlls the summer internship requirement for the Service Learn-ing Graduation Distinction; therefore, students seeking the Distinction in Service Learning will be granted ﬁrst priority. Come learn about the impact you can have on your community, and be a set of helping hands that will make a difference. Service hours can be earned through participation in this course.COURSE CODE: 25MM22GARDENING IN THE SOUTHStudents will work on tending the WA Community Garden and take ﬁeld trips to Family Life Ministries to see the destination for the food we grow on campus. The course may also include trips to a pick-your-own farm and other community gardens. Students may participate in building wooden structures needed in the garden, such as compost bins and portable shelves for hardening off seedlings prior in-ground planting. Service hours can be earned through participation in this course.COURSE CODE: 25MM24UNHOUSED IN ATLANTAEvery day when you drive to Woodward and every day when you drive home, you may see many, too many, individuals and families living in tents or under bridges. Home-lessness profoundly affects many people every day, and you may feel compelled to get involved. In this course, we will examine the issue of “homelessness” in America with a particular focus on metro Atlanta. The goal of this course is to understand the com-plexity and the human costs of being without a home, to be unhoused in our city, and to do something about it. Partnering with local organizations such as Love Beyond Walls, MadHousers, and the Ansley School, we will put names and faces to statistics, as we seek to learn from and work directly with individuals who are implementing solutions to address the issue of homelessness in Atlanta. Service hours can be earned through participation in this course. Service hours can be earned through participation in this course.SERVICE, COMMUNITY & SOCIAL JUSTICE

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13COURSE CODE: 25MM25SCHOOL OF ROCKHave you ever wanted to be in a rock band? Well here’s your chance! We will be taking a select number of students and putting together some bands. If you play an instru-ment already, that is great, but this course also is open to beginners.COURSE CODE: 25MM26FINDING YOUR VOICEFinding Your Voice is a course for the student who loves to sing on their own (in their room, in the shower) and would absolutely love to be on stage, but needs to conquer their fears of singing in front of an audience. This course will give students the friendly support, tools, guidance, and knowledge to push through those fears and ﬁnd their power. Students will build conﬁdence as they learn how to perform a song by under-standing the message, the intention, and the emotion behind it. By the end of this class, you will come away feeling a new sense of strength, trust, and empowerment. Conquer your fear— ﬁnd your voice.COURSE CODE: 25MM27CHOREOGRAPHING YOU: DANCE & SELF-DISCOVERYThis course is a dance intensive where students will enhance their self awareness through movement. Each day will introduce students to new dance disciplines such as West African dance, social dance, Hip Hop and Improvisation. Students will then engage in a SEE Learning insight activity to relate what they experienced in the class with their own journey of self-discovery. In the afternoon, students will explore various choreography techniques to translate their personal insights into an original piece! We will conclude the week with a “works in progress” showcase.COURSE CODE: 25MM28EMBODIED THEATRE - A COURSE IN VISUAL ART AND EXPRESSIVE MOVEMENTHave you ever wondered what it would be like to develop a play based on visual art and movement? In this course, students will learn the basics of devised theatre to create a play using the elements of Laban movement and the principals of painting and photography. Master class teachers will teach the basics of each of these art forms. Students will then create visual art with the photographs and paintings created that week and write a devised play that includes Laban movement. This course will cul-minate in a ﬁnal short performance. Anyone with an interest in learning more about visual and performing arts is welcome!THEATRE, MUSIC & THE ARTS

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14COURSE CODE: 25MM30RAKU FIRING TECHNIQUEStudents will create decorative clay vessels and bowls and ﬁre them using an ancient Japanese technique called Raku. This technique involves removing hot pots from a kiln and placing them in a chamber with combustible materials, which results in a beauti-ful array of colors.COURSE CODE: 25MM31THE ART OF ILLUSIONSStudents will explore how geometry shapes the world of optical illusions in art. Through a blend of mathematical concepts and creative projects, students will discover how geometric transformations, symmetry, and perspective can trick the eye and create stunning visual effects. The course will culminate in a ﬁeld trip to the Museum of Illusions, allowing students to experience the artistic and mathematical principals ﬁrsthand.THEATRE, MUSIC & THE ARTS

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15COURSE CODE: 25MM32RHYTHM & FLEX FUSIONThis Maymester class offers a unique blend of workout and dance sessions designed for students who enjoy rhythm, physical challenges, and self-expression. It focuses on building strength and ﬂexibility through Barre and Pilates while teaching dance steps in Bachata, Jazz, Salsa, and other styles. Participants will learn various techniques, terminology, and choreography combinations.COURSE CODE: 25MM33INTRODUCTION TO YOGAIn this Maymester, students will explore yoga as they seek to increase their body awareness and body conﬁdence and cultivate their body-mind connection. They will have the opportunity to learn about the history and foundations of current day yoga, encompassing asana (postures), meditation, and pranayama (breathing exercises) through daily practice and online resources. Students will be encouraged to maintain a journal over the course of the week. No prior experience is necessary!COURSE CODE: 25MM34WINNING AT FANTASY FOOTBALLFantasy sports have been around for decades, but the Internet has made them far more accessible and popular. Whether it is daily fantasy or a league with friends, fantasy sports have become a major part of the sports experience. Many of us compete in leagues with our friends, especially in fantasy football. But what can we do to get an edge on the competition? Look no further than this Maymester course for your answers! In this class, we will explore what draft-day and waiver decisions can give us the best chance at success. We will draft teams and play out a simulated 2025 football season to crown a league champion. Finally, time and access permitting, we will do our best to meet with representatives of the Atlanta Falcons and ESPN statisticians to learn about how deci-sions are made in real pro football and how this differs from fantasy football.COURSE CODE: 25MM35STRATEGY & CRITICAL THINKING THROUGH GAMES YOU LOVE TO PLAYWe will spend every day sharing with each other and playing the games, puzzles, etc. about which we are most passionate. Card games, board games, word games, etc. These games can help us learn strategy, critical thinking skills, and even mathematics. Note: We will not be playing video games.COURSE CODE: 25MM36CYCLING - MECHANICS, TRACK, AND ROADIn this course, students will delve into the multifaceted world of cycling, exploring its role as an activity, sport, and business, while connecting with the vibrant cycling com-munity in the Woodward area. Participants will receive training and certiﬁcation to ride on the Dick Lane Velodrome, gaining insight into how this nonproﬁt organization supports the East Point community. Additionally, students will visit a local bike shop to learn essential skills in bike repair and maintenance, while discovering how the shop fosters hard work and healthy habits among local youth. The course also will explore the impact of the Silver Comet Trail, Beltline, and PATH Foundation in promoting a healthier and more connected Georgia. Note: Students registering for this course must be able to ride a bike, and must be at least 15 years old.SPORTS, WELLNESS & LEISURE

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16COURSE CODE: 25MM37INTRODUCTION TO SPORTS ANALYTICSHave you ever wondered how professional coaches, executives, and owners make deci-sions about team and player performance? Now more than ever, pro sports franchises are leaning on data analytics to address the most important questions they face. This course will provide an introductory opportunity for students to explore the world of an-alytics in sports. Students will develop an understanding of what analytics are and how to measure them. We will review footage from Woodward Academy athletics and pro-fessional games, brainstorm potential analytics, and measure raw data, which will allow students to create their own analytic to measure, analyze, and evaluate. At the end of the course, students will share their research and present their ﬁndings to their peers.COURSE CODE: 25MM38OUTDOOR FITNESS ADVENTURESIn this course, participants will explore the great outdoors through challenging tasks that increase their ﬁtness levels. They will go on outings that include rock climbing, mountain biking on wooded trails, and wakeboarding. Note: Students registering for this course must know how to ride a bike.COURSE CODE: 25MM39ESCAPE FROM SCHOOLDo you love puzzles? Do you like making new friends? Can you handle stressful situa-tions? If you do, then you will enjoy Escape From School, a course where we will engage in solving challenging problems by visiting Escape Rooms around Atlanta to see how many we can survive. Each day will bring a new challenge as we travel to a new Escape Room adventure then enjoy lunch afterward as we discuss our problem-solving strategies.COURSE CODE: 25MM40THE FUNDAMENTAL JOY OF GOLFWant to sink a “hole in one”? Then take the Maymester Course, Fundamental Joy of Golf. Have you watched the Masters but have never enjoyed playing the “links”? Then spend Maymester in the great outdoors learning how to chip and putt. Become knowl-edgeable about how to approach the ball, the proper grip of a club, the correct stance, proper ball placement, swing control, and course etiquette as well as course rules for playing on an actual golf course. Enjoy the fun of a lifelong skill in the game of golf. Note: This course is for the beginner golf enthusiast.COURSE CODE: 25MM41THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUSJoin the two Misses Frizzels on our school bus adventures! Students will have learning experiences each day as we embark on local Atlanta sites. Let’s be tourists and learners together! We will emphasize fun, nature and ﬁtness and giving back to our communi-ty. Destinations will include meaningful cultural, historical, and recreational locations throughout the city of Atlanta.COURSE CODE: 25MM42A STITCH IN TIMEDo you want to learn more embroidery stitches or learn how to cross stitch? Do you want to make decorative hook rugs? This is the course for you! This course will teach the basics of needle arts—cross stitch, needle point, and rug hooking.SPORTS, WELLNESS & LEISURE

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17COURSE CODE: 25MM43LIFE SKILLS 101You spend countless hours in school, learning everything from history to chemistry. As a high schooler, your eyes are probably focused on “getting into the college that I want.” But have you thought about what happens next? What are your life goals and how do you plan to get there? This Maymester course will focus on practical life skills that will help you learn strategic and practical approaches to using your school knowl-edge to put you on the path to a fulﬁlling life and career. Topics will include: how to prepare a resume, interview skills, networking skills, personal ﬁnance fundamentals (taxes, insurance, investing, etc.), and leadership development. In short, you are acquir-ing a Porsche-quality education, so you should learn how to drive it to where you want to go.COURSE CODE: 25MM44DISNEY MAGIC UNVEILED: THE ART AND IMAGINATION BEHIND THE SCENESStep into the world of Disney Imagineering and discover the secrets behind the mag-ic! This Maymester course offers an immersive experience into the creative and tech-nical marvels that bring Disney parks to life. Explore Theme Park Design, Immersive Storytelling, and the Physics of Disney Parks through in-class instruction and hands-on workshops. Whether you’re a Disney enthusiast, aspiring performer, or a budding designer, this course offers a unique look at how imagination and innovation create unforgettable experiences.COURSE CODE: 25MM45CHARACTER WINS!Success is often acknowledged by accolades, rewards, rankings, and status. What goes unnoticed is the process to achieve success. Join us as we delve into the com-mon threads of character that have served as foundations for success in all walks of life. In this course, students will explore the fundamentals of character growth through hands-on engagement with professionals from the worlds of entertainment, sports, healthcare, government, and more.LEADERSHIP, ENTREPRENEURSHIP & CAREER EXPLORATION

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18COURSE CODE: 25MM46THE BEST BOOK CLUB EVERIf your ideal day could consist of relaxing, being cozy, enjoying good scenery, and read-ing a great book, then this Maymester course is for you. Participants in the Best Book Club Ever will have the opportunity to explore the outdoors as well as various places around Atlanta all while enjoying the long forgotten pastime of reading. Students will have the opportunity to exercise, read, and discuss the “ingredients” in a great book all while enjoying an environment conducive for relaxation.COURSE CODE: 25MM47WRITING POETRY INSPIRED BY VISUAL ARTIn this course, students will experience visual art through poetry. They will analyze visual art and ekphrastic poetry, spend a day at the High Museum of Art for inspiration, write their own poetry, participate in a workshop with their peers, and create a digital book of their own work. Join our course to connect with the Atlanta art community and create a Woodward community of poets inspired by visual art!COURSE CODE: 25MM48SCARY STORY TROPESThis course will look at patterns in “scary stories,” including setting, the psychological state of the narrator, forbidden places, monsters, and the supernatural. We will watch parts of current television shows like Stranger Things and movies such as A Quiet Place. Students will take a ﬁeld trip to a local haunted house tour.COURSE CODE: 25MM49QUESTION: SO YOU’D RATHER NOT HAVE SUMMER READING?Then let’s do it before summer begins! Summer is a time when we all want a break. We want to vacation at the beach, hike in the cool mountains, travel overseas, and visit friends and family we don’t see often. Sometimes it’s hard to ﬁt in the summer reading which Woodward requires of each student. This course will provide an opportunity for you to ﬁnish one summer reading book before the summer begins. You will have daily reading time in class as well as a designated period to answer the online questions, all under the direction of a teacher. You also will have a chance to present your personal perspective on the reading as you work with a partner to complete a presentation to the class. What do you get in return for spending your Maymester with summer read-ing? More time to enjoy summer and a strong start to the next school year!COURSE CODE: 25MM50AUDIENCE DISCRETION IS ADVISEDAre you intrigued by real-life mysteries, criminal investigations, and the psychology behind infamous crimes? Join us on a captivating journey as we delve into the realm of true crime. We will explore a diverse range of gripping and thought-provoking stories and dissect the narratives as we practice our viewing and listening comprehension skills. Through a com-bination of listening and viewing exercises and group discussions, students will immerse themselves in the world of true crime documentaries and podcasts, gaining an in-depth understanding of the genre. We will analyze different storytelling techniques, investigating the power of narrative structure, character development, and production in captivating audiences. Note: This course does not sensationalize nor endorse criminal behavior but aims to explore the storytelling and societal aspects of true crime documentaries and podcasts. There will be descriptions, language, and sensitive topics that might not be appropriate for all audiences.LITERATURE, CREATIVE WRITING & STORYTELLING

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19COURSE CODE: 25MM51OUTDOOR EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIPWe will use in-class lessons and outdoor environments to teach and grow self- independence, leadership skills, environmental stewardship, group dynamics, and wilderness skills. This course will include classroom lessons, as well as day and overnight trips to Suches, GA. Overnight trips will include front and backcountry travel, and will require sleeping in tents, with limited access to running water, bath-rooms, and showers. Experience is not necessary, but students who are not interested in living outdoors should not apply.Location: Suches, GACourse Fee: This course has an additional cost of approximately $400.COURSE CODE: 25MM52SAVANNAH “HOSTESS CITY OF THE SOUTH”: HOW A DEBTOR’S COLONY BECAME A SYMBOL OF MODERN SOUTHERN SUCCESSIn this course, we will have students create a walking timeline. Students will explore Savannah’s history through their timeline. Within each era, speciﬁc topics such as architecture, economic development, historical facts, and others will be discovered. Instructors plan on using walking tours, guides, historians and experts in Savannah to teach students about speciﬁc moments in Savannah’s past, present, and future.Location: Savannah, GACourse Fee: This course has an additional cost of approximately $500.COURSE CODE: 25MM53SOUTHERN ARTS AND CULTUREStudents will travel to Savannah to discover low country agritourism, tour open farmers markets, experience and perform the historical process of indigo dyeing, and learn about the short- and long-term impacts of environmentally sustainable methods of production and use. Students also will discover, explore and create plein aire paintings using a variety of approaches, methods, and materials. We’ll also tour SCAD Savannah, the historical district, Riverwalk, Telfair Museum, Jepson Center, and the Owens- Thomas House and Slave Quarters. Students will discover the historical and cultural importance of Savannah as an international trade center. Students are required to maintain an excursionary ﬁeld guide of all experiences.Location: Savannah, GACourse Fee: This course has an additional cost of approximately $1,100.“ABOVE & BEYOND” DOMESTIC TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

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20COURSE CODE: 25MM54INTRODUCTION TO KEELBOAT SAILINGHave you ever witnessed the beauty and grace of a sailing yacht underway? Have you felt the power of the wind driving lift into the sails and rigging, plowing your vessel through the waves? In this course, we will spend six full days learning the fundamen-tals of sailing, including learning about the physics of sailing, how the wind drives boats across the water, and how to race sailboats to their max in the modern age. We’ll learn navigation basics, safety at sea, seamanship, and teamwork. The course includes two “ground school” classroom days and, best of all, four days (and four overnights!) sailing 25-foot keelboats on Charleston Harbor! Every participant will learn all the “jobs” on a sailboat, and everyone will get to drive.Location: Charleston, SCCourse Fee: This course has an additional cost of approximately $1,600.COURSE CODE: 25MM55WELLNESS IN THE CATSKILLSIn today’s fast-paced world, where academic pressures and personal responsibilities often take precedence, the importance of holistic wellness cannot be overstated. As educators committed to the well-being and success of our students, we are excited to offer an innovative and immersive Maymester domestic travel program: Wellness in the Catskills. Designed speciﬁcally for Upper School students, this program aims to provide a transformative experience centered around wellness and mental health.Location: Catskills, NYCourse Fee: This course has an additional cost of approximately $3,500.“ABOVE & BEYOND” DOMESTIC TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

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21INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMSEach year, students have the opportunity to apply for our International Maymester Programs, immersive experiences that begin with several days of on-campus learning and culminate in an international travel experience. Due to the advance planning required, our 2025 programs were announced in August, and all spots have since been ﬁlled. However, we’re excited to share this year’s unique destinations with the school community, offering insight into the enriching experiences our students will soon embark upon. As you explore the list of Maymester 2025 programs, we hope you’ll be inspired to consider international travel for next school year—and we look forward to seeing many of these programs return in the future. STEM @ LONDON From code breaking and criminal investigations to the cryptic creation of Stonehenge, London is a prime spot for problem solvers and inquiring minds. Your job on this tour? Ask a lot of questions. Let STEM be your guide during your exploration of London. Learn about the role math can play in the world of code cracking. Practice your sleuthing skills during a CSI-inspired forensics workshop. And plant your feet on two different hemispheres at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, with the English capital as your backdrop.Location: London, UKSPANISH PARTNER EXCHANGE + MADRID/TOLEDO CULTURAL EXPLORATION Participate in a cultural experience that combines language immersion with explora-tion in Spain! You will bridge the gap toward Spanish ﬂuency with both a homestay/school experience and cultural tours of Madrid and Toledo. This program includes attending our partner school Maristas La Inmaculada in Valladolid, Spain, while living with a host family from the school. During the exchange, students will attend a mix of classes (shadowing their host/partner student) and participate in school-organized, group activities. During the evenings and weekends, students will spend time with their host family, experiencing various activities/excursions and getting a taste of local life. To top off the experience, the last few days include cultural exploration in Madrid and Toledo before ﬂying back to Atlanta.Location: Valladolid, Madrid, and Toledo

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22INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMSMINDFUL EXPLORATION: CONNECTING WITH NATURE IN THE GALÁPAGOS The Galápagos Islands are a chain of volcanic islands located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. The Galápagos are most famous for the profound discoveries of Charles Darwin. Carry on that scientiﬁc tradition as you learn about the unique species that call the islands home. The Galápagos are a common destination to see whales, dolphins, sharks, rays, sea lions, marine iguanas, ﬁnches, Galapagos penguins, and ﬂightless cormorants. On the islands, students will conduct ﬁeld studies, discover unique wildlife, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, and enjoy snorkeling and other fun activities along the coasts. On mainland Ecuador, students will experience the local culture in Quito. Independence Plaza and the Intinan Museum provide social context to the biological wonders of this fascinating country. The Galápagos are home to a fragile ecosystem facing serious challenges. Students will have an extraordinary opportunity to explore, survey the ecosystem, and analyze sustainability issues caused by an increasing human population and the high demands of tourism. Students will expand their global perspectives by following in Darwin’s footsteps. This is truly a life transforming trip!Location: Galápagos Islands, EcuadorCHINA CULTURAL EXPLORATION AND PARTNER SCHOOL VISITParticipate in an experience that combines cultural immersion with exploration in China! During this program, students will explore cultural and historical hubs of China and get a taste of local life through a homestay/partner school experience. This pro-gram includes several days of attending our partner school JinRui in Shanghai, China, while living with a host family from the school. Students will attend a mix of classes and participate in school-organized, group activities. During the evenings and weekends, students will spend time with their host family, experiencing various activities/excur-sions and genuine cultural immersion. Studying Chinese or the ability to speak Chinese is not required. Students will be paired with students/families who are familiar with the English language. Through this experience, students will have the opportunity to learn more deeply about the world, developing a global mindset and expanding their under-standing and empathy for others.Location: Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, and Hangzhou, ChinaTHE LANDS OF THE MORNING CALM & THE RISING SUNStudents participating in this program will get a better understanding of two different Asian cultures, expanding their mindsets to become more empathetic global citizens. They also will have the opportunity to meet and build connections with local people through food, language (spoken and unspoken), and the arts/cultural immersion. This program offers an exploration of South Korea and Japan, blending cultural heritage with modern experiences. Starting in Seoul, students will experience Korean traditions at sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Gamcheon Culture Village. Students will also visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and the UN Memorial and Peace Museum in Busan. In Japan, they’ll explore Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion and the bamboo forests of Arashiyama, as well as the historic landmarks of Nara. The program concludes in Tokyo, where stu-dents will visit the Meiji Shrine and view Mount Fuji.Location: Seoul and Busan, South Korea Kyoto and Tokyo, Japan

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23The Portrait of a Learner represents Woodward Academy’s vision for the development of the social emotional competencies, character traits, and/or 21st century skills that our students will need to succeed in college, career, and life. The Maymester program strives to implement these competencies to further advance the mission and strategic plan of the school.RESPECTING OURSELVES, EACH OTHER, OUR SCHOOL & OUR WORLD IS THE WOODWARD WAYSelf OURSELVES• Empowered Learner• Resilient Community Member• Creative Problem-solverIntpsоal EACH OTHER• Curious Perspective-taker• Empathetic Listener and Courageous Communicator• Ethical Decision-makerSystems SCHOOL & WORLD• Compassionate Global Citizen• Ethical Advocate• Discerning InnovatorPora of a Len

Upper School Maymester Coursebook

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