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 ﬁeld experiences to hands-on learning. 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 demonstrate their learning during our Maymester 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 they ﬁnd to be worthwhile. Our enthu-siastic, dedicated faculty members have been inspired by their own passions to create many exciting learning opportunities for students.We hope that 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 offer-ings for 2024. If you have any questions, please reach out to Andrew Jones, Director of Upper School Maymester, at andrew.jones@woodward.edu.Andrew JonesDirector of Upper School MaymesterDr. Jonathan MerrillUpper School PrincipalRonda ZentsUpper School Assistant PrincipalJenifer BaroAlex BraggTim CoatsAnn HaberJulie HallEvan McDonaldChris MyersTenneille PattersonJaimie SpetserisMatt TilfordNick WidenerINTRODUCTIONUPPER SCHOOL MAYMESTER STEERING COMMITTEE

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4MISSION, VISION & PURPOSEThe Maymester program exists to support 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 education, 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 offers more real-world learning opportunities to students in order to provide an unparalleled student experience. We believe when students are immersed in experiential learning, retention occurs at its highest level. This vision is aligned with Woodward’s vision of being a national model in college-preparatory education.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: The 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 communities.Interdisciplinary Approach: Experiential learning thrives on interdisciplinary collabora-tion. 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 reﬂection. Through guided journaling or group discussions, students will reﬂect on their experiences, analyze their growth, and connect these insights to their academic, career, and personal aspirations.Community Connection: Giving back to the community is an integral part of this pro-gram. 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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5COURSE SELECTION PROCESSIn the following pages, you will ﬁnd a list of intentionally curated courses created by our faculty members. Each course will offer a unique experience and insight into a topic that our faculty members are passionate about. 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 should choose courses based on the following two criteria:Preferential selection 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: 24MM01). This code will be used to identify each course on the registration 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 organize their passions and interests. The course categories for Maymester 2024 are:“I am passionate about this course!”Students will choose ﬁve courses from the coursebook that they are passionate about. These courses are the priority courses in registration. “I am interested in this course!”Students also will choose three courses from the Coursebook that they are interested in. These courses will serve as the alternate courses in registration.SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & DESIGNSPORTS, WELLNESS & LEISUREHISTORY, SOCIETY & CULTURESERVICE, COMMUNITY & SOCIAL JUSTICELITERATURE, CREATIVE WRITING & STORYTELLINGTHEATRE, MUSIC & THE ARTS“ABOVE & BEYOND” EXPERIENCESLEADERSHIP, ENTREPRENEUR-SHIP & CAREER EXPLORATION

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6REFLECTION & ASSESSMENT Throughout the course of Maymester, students will be reﬂecting on the concrete experi-ences with which they are involved. These reﬂections could be journals, audio/video logs, presentations, peer-reviewed work, or performances. The reﬂective piece will be decided by faculty teaching the course. The completion of reﬂective pieces will serve as an assessment for the course. The Maymester experience ends with Maymester Expo, a day in which students will present reﬂections and ﬁndings with peers.GRADUATION REQUIREMENTSWe hope all students are eager to step out of their comfort zone, explore new environments, and engage in meaningful experiential learning. Participants should have a strong desire to learn, grow, and embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with a diverse and 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.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 is if a student chooses an “Above and Beyond” experience which includes overnight travel. The additional cost of those courses are noted in the coursebook.

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7SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & DESIGNCOURSE CODE: 24MM01 CRIME, FORENSICS, FACTS, AND FILM This Maymester course is an examination of Hollywood’s portrayal of several notable murders and attempted murders that have speciﬁc relations to aspects of forensic science. The forensic concepts include: document analysis, blood evidence and blood spatter, bite mark analysis, poisons, and crime scene interpretation and analysis.For a moviemaker, 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 movie 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 studio? The director? The actors? You will be presented with a synopsis of several movies that center around the forensic concepts listed. We will order the movies according to the interest and opinions of the students and then proceed with a study of the actual case and viewing of the ﬁlm, while we compare and contrast the two. At the conclusion of the Maymester course, you will choose one of the movies watched and express your ideas and feelings on the proposed questions.COURSE CODE: 24MM16 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.” 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, and 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, watch parts of movies, and engage in brainstorming and discussion. And we will actually 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: 24MM21 GIRLS HAVE THE POWER...TOOLS Are you creative and like to make things? Do you want to learn how to conﬁdently pick up a tool and tackle any project? 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 a decorative item for your home, a customized organizer that can follow you to college, or up-cycled furniture for your room made from repurposed goods. In the process, you will learn new skills that will give you the independence and power to be an active participant in any aspect of your world.

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8SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & DESIGNCOURSE CODE: 24MM23 ZOOLOGY OF LAND, SEA, AND AIR Dive into the breathtaking world of Earth’s diverse ecosystems and their inhabitants! Embark on an adventure that will take you from the depths of the ocean to the soaring heights of the skies, uncovering the remarkable creatures that call these environments home. Through a captivating blend of hands-on exploration, dissections, and immer-sive experiences, you’ll gain a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of all life forms. You also will get a behind the scenes tour of the Georgia Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta.COURSE CODE: 24MM30 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 a relevant background and ensure that connections are made between food and the experiments. Examples of some of the experiments you 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.” You will use common lab equipment, the LabQuest for data collection, along with associated probes such as CO2 sensors, pH sensors, spectrophotometers, 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: 24MM34 SOLVING COMPETITION LEVEL MATHEMATICS PROBLEMS We will attack a parade of problems from the mathematics competitions in which we participate: Georgia Math League, American Mathematics Competition test, and Kennesaw State University’s competition. We will even play around with some ques-tions from extremely high level tests such as Mathematics Olympiads from the United States and other countries. We will attack each problem ﬁrst by “cheating,” using available technology to produce an answer. But the really fun part will be trying to ﬁnd solutions to these problems using no technology whatsoever.COURSE CODE: 24MM38 THE ART OF DIY VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR Students will learn how to perform basic maintenance and repair on vehicles, and gain a basic understanding of how vehicles work. Potential lessons could include: oil changes, computer diagnostics and repair, brake work, changing a tire, steering component replacement (tie rods and ball joints), jumping vehicles, battery replace-ment, alternator replacement, transmission maintenance, and overall vehicle system maintenance.

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9SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & DESIGNCOURSE CODE: 24MM49 DRONEOLOGY: SEEING WOODWARD FROM A BIRD’S EYE VIEW You will work your way through the PCSedventures Discover Drones curriculum, completing the steps along the way. You will then build a drone from the provided kits and ﬂy your drone. The culminating class activity will be a demonstration ﬂight day on the Parade Field. This course provides an experiential learning environment that prepares students for the fast-growing career ﬁeld of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Alumni and/or community connections will be explored for guest speaker opportunities.COURSE CODE: 24MM59INTRODUCTION TO BASIC WELDING AND FABRICATIONThis is a basic welding and fabrication course. Students will be introduced to welding and construction techniques and will have the opportunity to create decorative or functional artwork.COURSE CODE: 24MM62IMAGE EDITING EXPLORATIONS WITH ADOBE PHOTOSHOPImmerse yourself in the world of digital creativity with our engaging Photoshop course during Maymester! Tailored to equip students with indispensable skills for image edit-ing, manipulation, and enhancement, this hands-on course offers practical techniques applicable across various ﬁelds. Our learning objectives focus on building a strong foundation in Photoshop, mastering essential tools, and cultivating proﬁciency in basic photo editing. Fostering digital literacy and creativity, this course enhances creative expression and empowers students to effectively communicate ideas through visually compelling imagery.COURSE CODE: 24MM63THE MOLECULAR GASTRONOMIST’S TOOLKIT: COOKING WITH CHEMISTRYHave 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 answers 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.

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10HISTORY, SOCIETY & CULTURECOURSE CODE: 24MM03YIN-YANG: CHINESE FOOD, TEA, AND TAI CHIThis course will introduce Chinese food and tea styles, regions, and the related Yin-Yang ideas and culture. Students will learn to make some typical Chinese food, try Chinese teas and snacks, visit and eat at a Chinese cooking school and a restaurant, shop at a Chinese supermarket, and cook some Chinese dishes for sharing. Students also will learn and practice Tai Chi, which was developed from and is embedded with Yin-Yang ideas.COURSE CODE: 24MM08PSYCHOLOGY: THE BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL APPROACHThe Biopsychosocial Approach is a class of trans-disciplinary models which looks at the interconnection between biology, psychology, and socio-environmental factors. These models speciﬁcally examine how these aspects play a role in topics ranging from human development to health and disease to information processing and environmental conﬂict. This approach is the newest eclectic view within the psychology ﬁeld.COURSE CODE: 24MM09THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT IN GEORGIAThe civil rights movement is one of Atlanta and Georgia’s most visible and signiﬁcant contributions to history. This course will allow students a unique opportunity for history to come alive by visiting sites of interest and importance to the civil rights movement. Students will consider Atlanta and Georgia’s roles in the civil rights movement, and explore the lasting legacies of the movement today. You will learn experientially by hearing the voices of those who lived through the civil rights movement via primary sources, videos, and speeches, as well as by visiting historic sites. Possible ﬁeld trips within Atlanta could include the Martin Luther King National Historic Park, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the Atlanta History Center, and/or the Carter Center, as well as a day trip to one or more locations within Georgia outside of Atlanta.COURSE CODE: 24MM11CORNERSTONES OF THE DREAM: AN EXPLORATION OF FAITH, HISTORY, AND CIVIL RIGHTS IN ATLANTAStudents will discover and explore Atlanta’s rich and diverse civil rights history through the lens of faith. We will ask “Who are the cornerstones of change?” as we explore the quest for freedom and justice by some of the great religious and civil rights leaders of the 20th century. We will visit key sites in Atlanta including The King Center, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and The Temple. Finally, we will consider how each of us is invited to contribute to and build upon this legacy.

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11COURSE CODE: 24MM13THE U.S. CIVIL WAR BATTLE OF ATLANTA: 1864The goal of the course is to arrive at an in-depth understanding of the U.S. Civil War battle of Atlanta, its political, military, cultural, and historic signiﬁcance, how it was con-ducted, 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. You will visit a battleﬁeld of the war and a museum in the Atlanta area. You will connect the past to the present: we learn who we are by where we’ve been. Note: While learning about the Civil War, one will encounter acts of heroism. One also will encounter tragic acts of violence and racism.COURSE CODE: 24MM14CULTURE THROUGH CUISINE: FOOD OF THE SPANISH-SPEAKING WORLDWhether you are a fan of spicy tacos or prefer dulce de leche, this exploration of food in the Spanish-speaking world is for you. We will investigate how culture and geography inﬂuence cuisine. We will have hands-on cooking demonstrations on campus and venture out to restaurants in the Atlanta area. At the end of this course, we hope you will feel more connected to the Spanish-speaking foodie community in Atlanta.COURSE CODE: 24MM61LATIN AMERICA: HISTORY, POLITICS, AND ARTParticipants in this course will research and explore the history, politics, culture, and arts of Latin American countries. Topics will include major events and people. The course will provide opportunities for students to share their own work and investiga-tion. Through our studies, we will deepen our understanding of current affairs and will learn about the uniqueness and individuality of each country in Latin America.COURSE CODE: 24MM51THE FOUNDATIONS AND EVOLUTION OF 50 YEARS OF HIP-HOPHow did a Bronx back-to-school party jumpstart what is currently the highest grossing music genre? From Sugarhill Gang and Sylvia Robinson, to Pulitzer Prize-winner Kendrick Lamar and record-setting Atlantan, Future, you will study the complexities and longevity of a music genre born in an unlikely place and now residing any and everywhere.COURSE CODE: 24MM64INDIAN DANCE AND CULTUREIn this cross-cultural and immersive Maymester course, students will come together to learn about Indian culture and traditions through dance. You will develop an understanding of the historical and cultural signiﬁcance of Indian dance forms, includ-ing classical Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Manipuri, and modern Bollywood. Whether you are a seasoned dancer or a newcomer to the world of Indian culture and dance, this course promises to provide a transformative and enriching experience that will deepen your understanding of India’s cultural heritage and leave you with a profound appreciation for the art of Indian dance. By the end of this course, students will gain an appreciation for Indian dance as well as India’s history, culture, and food. HISTORY, SOCIETY & CULTURE

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12COURSE CODE: 24MM15UNHOUSED 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 complexity 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, we will put names and faces to statistics as we seek to learn from and work directly with individuals who are unhoused to implement solutions that improve their lives and the lives of others.COURSE CODE: 24MM19COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENTCommunity Involvement is a service learning course designed to allow students to make a real difference for those who are in need. You will leave campus and volun-teer with organizations providing service to members of the community who need assistance. Volunteer opportunities can be arranged in advance, or researched and conﬁrmed, using the Hands on Atlanta website. Students will provide their own trans-portation, while parents will be required to sign a waiver form acknowledging students are leaving campus each day to volunteer. These elective service hours can be applied toward the annual service requirement.COURSE CODE: 24MM20HELPING HANDS: REAL WORLD 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, paired with hands-on service experiences. We will learn from and visit organizations including The Atlanta Community Food Bank, Love Beyond Walls, Family Life Ministries, Habi-tat for Humanity, Horizons Atlanta, and the Woodward Academy garden. This course fulﬁlls the summer internship requirement for the Service Learning Graduation Dis-tinction; 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.COURSE CODE: 24MM22MAKING AN IMPACT: OUTREACH AND SERVICE AT A GLOBAL, REGIONAL, AND LOCAL LEVELStudents and faculty will work side by side as we engage in a diversity of service and outreach opportunities with a focus on making an impact at the global, regional, and local levels. We can reach people across the globe by partnering with organizations like Rise Against Hunger. Our regional focus will include the state of Georgia and all of the Southeast. Our local focus will include metro Atlanta and the College Park area. During these opportunities, we also will focus on developing critical skills such as leadership development, networking, logistics, planning, and working in collaborative groups. Developing these skills will prepare you for college, careers, and continuing to make a long-lasting positive impact on your communities.SERVICE, COMMUNITY & SOCIAL JUSTICE

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13COURSE CODE: 24MM28LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED: AN EXPLORATION OF TRUE CRIME PODCASTSAre 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 podcasts. In this course, we will explore a diverse range of gripping and thought-provoking stories, dissecting the narratives as we practice our listening com-prehension skills. Through a combination of listening exercises and group discussions, students will immerse themselves in the world of true crime podcasts, gaining an in-depth understanding of the genre. We will analyze the different storytelling tech-niques employed by podcasters, investigating the power of narrative structure, character development, and audio 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 podcasts. There will be descriptions, language, and sensitive topics that might not be appropriate for all listeners. Students will need a computer/phone and headphones for listening.COURSE CODE: 24MM31HISTORY ALIVE! BRINGING THE WA HISTORY CENTER TO LIFE!Students will explore the WA archive and the Stephen A. Belin ’72 GMA/Woodward Academy History Center to learn about the ﬁeld of museum studies. We will visit the Delta Flight Museum and the Atlanta History Center. You will get creative and develop ideas and plans for interactive museum exhibits and educational materials to create a dynamic and exciting museum experience to engage visitors.COURSE CODE: 24MM54WHAT ELSE IS TRUE?: EXPLORING AMERICA’S UNTOLD STORIES AND REIMAGINING A MORE COMPASSIONATE WORLDDiscover the untold stories of 16th and 17th century America and their impact on today’s challenges in this immersive course. Through a systems thinking lens, we will explore moral dilemmas while embracing the connections that bind humanity. You’ll hear from diverse guest speakers versed in incarceration, reconciliation, and societal systems. You also will journey to the Legacy Museum and Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama, deepen insights with SEE Learning sessions designed to build resilience and ethical engagement, and draw upon your creativity to create multimedia projects that ignite awareness. You’ll learn to unite history, ethics, and society to shape a more empathetic and enlightened future.SERVICE, COMMUNITY & SOCIAL JUSTICE

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14COURSE CODE: 24MM04PRODUCTION CREW 101Get involved in the media world! Come and work behind the scenes with Woodward’s WALive production crew. Atlanta has grown from a TV town to a booming movie and stage industry. Live broadcast is a huge part of this exciting and demanding career path. This Maymester, join us and get a peek into the world of production by running cameras, lights, and sound, and directing from the control room. We will have multiple live broadcasts in Woodward’s own venues, from the stage to stadium, run entirely by students. Show off your free crew shirt to friends and family by earning the job titles of Technical Director, Camera Operator, Stage Manager, or Audio Technician. Check out the talented work of our students at WALive.TV and see the production world with a new eye.COURSE CODE: 24MM07ATLANTA GALLERY, STUDIO, AND MUSEUM HOP WITH HANDS-ON INDIGO WORKSHOPWe will venture to local galleries, museums, and art studios to see and experience the abundant creative culture of Atlanta. During our adventures, we will enjoy local cuisine and explore the murals, grafﬁti, and environmental art of the Beltline. The last two and a half days, we will learn how to process indigo and dye fabrics with a local artist. All of our experiences will be documented in a creative journal that we will work in daily.COURSE CODE: 24MM27DIVERSITY IN THE ARTSIn 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 local artists and ﬁlm entrepreneurs and focus on Atlanta’s rich presence in the movie industry. You will tour a local studio and interview producers and engineers, and, ultimately, reﬂect on your experiences with a digital portfolio showcasing the unique perspectives gained through the course.COURSE CODE: 24MM35WRITING POETRY INSPIRED BY VISUAL ARTIn this course, students will experience visual art through poetry. You will analyze visual art and ekphrastic poetry, spend a day at the High Museum of Art for inspiration, write your own poetry, participate in a workshop with your peers, and create a digital book of your own work. Join our course to connect with the Atlanta art community and create a Woodward community of poets inspired by visual art!THEATRE, MUSIC & THE ARTS

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15COURSE CODE: 24MM39EMBODIED 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 cre-ate a play using the elements of Laban movement and the principles of photography. Over the week, master class instructors will teach the basics of each of these art forms. Students will create storyboards with the photographs developed that week and write a devised play that includes Laban movement. This course will culminate in a ﬁnal short play and performance. Anyone with an interest in learning more about visual and performing arts is welcome!COURSE CODE: 24MM42CONTEMPORARY FASHION DESIGNThis course is designed for students who are interested in exploring the world of fash-ion design. During the course, students will visit Megan Huntz clothing and design studio in Atlanta, where you’ll gain insight into the design process, observe the manu-facturing process, and get the chance to interact with the staff. Additionally, students will explore various fabrics and their origins, learn the basics of sewing, and develop their design skills. Being a part of the sustainable fashion movement means continu-ously learning about the world around us, how we relate to our clothing, the systemic power dynamics and drivers of the industry, and ways we can work toward a more just fashion future. After this in depth exploration of slow fashion and fast fashion, and of how designers explore and consider materials, you will design and create a piece of your own.COURSE CODE: 24MM57SCHOOL OF ROCKHave you ever wanted to be in a rock band? Well, here’s your chance! We will be tak-ing a select number of students and putting together some bands. If you play already, that’s great, but even if you don’t play, we will ﬁnd a place for you.COURSE CODE: 24MM58FINDING YOUR VOICE: A MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOPFinding Your Voice is a course for the student who loves to sing on their own; in their room or in the shower, and would absolutely love to be on stage but need to conquer a fear of singing in front of an audience. This course will give you the friendly support, tools, guidance, and knowledge to push through those fears and ﬁnd your power. You will build conﬁdence as you learn how to perform a song by understanding the mes-sage, the intention, and the emotion behind the song. By the end of this class, you will come away feeling a new sense of strength, trust, and empowerment. Conquer your fear, and ﬁnd your voice!THEATRE, MUSIC & THE ARTS

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16COURSE CODE: 24MM02GAME DEVELOPER WORKSHOPCome design an original game! Learn the basics of game design, production, and test-ing. Come ready to try new games and learn what makes games fun. You’ll design and create an original Nine Card Nanogame during our session that you’ll be able to keep. These design skills will help you if you are interested in ﬁelds like video game design or product development.COURSE CODE: 24MM05THE OLYMPIC GAMES: A HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL ANALYSISStudents will explore the history of the Olympic Games, including their origins in Ancient Greece, revival in the late 19th century, and evolution into a multi-billion dollar international industry. Special attention will be paid to key historical trends of the 20th century as reﬂected through the Olympic Games, including civil rights, the Cold War, terrorism, authoritarianism, and women’s rights.COURSE CODE: 24MM06POSITIVE VIBES ONLYMost individuals follow a formula like this: If I work hard, I will be successful, and once I am successful, then I will be happy. This formula, however, is broken. It is actually back-ward. Research in the ﬁeld of positive psychology has proven that happiness and optimism actually lead to achievement. Shawn Achor, founder of GoodThinkInc., outlines a plan to create habits that retrain our brains. Through the work of Achor and other researchers in positive psychology, this class will embark on a mission to rewire the brain and ﬂip the formula! In essence, students will embark on a personal experi-ment to follow key principles each day to become positive thinkers and actors. In this class, you will engage in daily physical exercise (yoga, hikes/walks, etc.), community service, and random acts of kindness, and learn the power of positive vibes and uplift-ing attitudes. The class will have group activities, and at times, be customized to the individual student.COURSE CODE: 24MM10USING MATH TO WIN 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, fan-tasy 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 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 to learn about the draft deci-sions made in real pro football and how this differs from Fantasy Football.SPORTS, WELLNESS & LEISURE

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17COURSE CODE: 24MM24THE KEYS TO HAPPINESS AND WELL-BEING: FINDING JOY IN YOUR LIFEAre 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. Embrace joy and change your life!COURSE CODE: 24MM25NATURE PHOTOGRAPHYDo you love photography? Do you love taking photos of ﬂowers, trees, animals, and natural phenomena? After a brief introduction to photography, students will spend class time capturing photographs related to various themes in nature (ﬂowers, trees, reﬂections, shadows, weather conditions, water, animals, and other aspects of nature). Students will then spend time each day learning how to use software to enhance the images. By the end of the course, you will produce a portfolio of your work. Note: Cell phone cameras will work, but you may use a DSLR camera if you have access to one.COURSE CODE: 24MM29PERSEVERANCE: SPORT ON FILMWe’ll watch and analyze quintessential sports ﬁlms and consider the well- and lesser-known ﬁlms made in Georgia. After classroom viewings and discussions, you will have the opportunity to write, direct, shoot, and edit a ﬁlm based upon your under-standing of perseverance and how it relates to athletic triumphs and character growth. The transcendent power of sport should resonate in the work created in this class.COURSE CODE: 24MM32ESPN 8 (THE OCHO): PROBLEM-SOLVING THROUGH FRINGE SPORTSIn this course, we will explore games that are taking the world by storm (Pickleball, Spikeball, Crossnet, etc.). Students will learn about the history behind these games and what has caused their popularity to spike, and compete while learning the games. We will challenge you to create your own game with limited resources, and then lead a group of students in learning and playing the game. The group will debrief on how the game went and what changes could be made to potentially have the next successful Shark Tank pitch!SPORTS, WELLNESS & LEISURE

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18COURSE CODE: 24MM40AN INTRODUCTION TO YOGAIn this Maymester course, students will explore yoga as they seek to increase body awareness and body conﬁdence and cultivate the body-mind connection. You 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 yoga experience is necessary!COURSE CODE: 24MM41ESCAPE FROM SCHOOLDo you love puzzles? Do you like making new friends? Can you handle stressful situations? If you do, then you will enjoy Escape From School, a Maymester 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: 24MM43FUNDAMENTAL 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 for bragging rights. Become knowledgeable about how to approach the ball, the proper grip of a club, the correct stance, proper ball placement, swing control, course etiquette, and rules of 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: 24MM46INTRODUCTION TO SPORTS ANALYTICSHave you ever wondered how professional coaches, executives, and owners make deci-sions about team and player performance? Now more than ever, 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 analytics in the world of sports. In this course, you will develop an understanding of what analytics are and how to measure them. As the course progresses, you will have the opportunity to review footage from Woodward Academy athletics and professional games, brainstorm potential analytics, and measure raw data which will allow you to create your own analytics to measure, analyze, and evaluate. At the end of the course, you will share your research and present your ﬁndings to your peers.COURSE CODE: 24MM48GARDENING IN THE SOUTHStudents will learn all of the basics to start and sustain a backyard garden. You will explore starting seeds, managing compost, managing pests, importance of pollinators, maintaining healthy soil for long-term success, and more. We will incorporate short, local ﬁeld trips (you-pick farms; AgriHood in Atlanta; farm to table restaurant; farmer’s market), and will invite some local experts to speak to students.SPORTS, WELLNESS & LEISURE

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19COURSE CODE: 24MM50THE TRI LIFEThe objective of this short course is to prepare students to compete in a sprint triath-lon. Formally, a sprint distance triathlon consists of a 750m swim, a 20km bike, and a 5km run. You will learn the rules of racing a sanctioned triathlon event, training strate-gies and techniques for swimming/biking/running, and strategies to make transitions faster from one event to the next. You will be in the pool as well as on the road gaining ﬁrsthand experience, culminating in a super-sprint triathlon (400m swim, 10km bike, and 2.5km run) on the last day of Maymester.COURSE CODE: 24MM52OUTDOOR FITNESS AND FUNStudents will learn and participate in ways to improve their ﬁtness level while enjoying the outdoors. Biking, hiking, rafting, and water sports are all great ways to get ﬁt while having fun outside. The class will participate in a different experience each day and reﬂect upon it.COURSE CODE: 24MM53MINDFULNESS IN NATURE: NURTURING INNER HARMONYJoin us on a six-day odyssey, Mindfulness in Nature: Nurturing Inner Harmony. Immerse yourself in an awe-inspiring adventure that will awaken your senses, deepen your connection with the natural world, and equip you with lifelong mindfulness prac-tices. Venture beyond traditional classrooms, from lush forests to serene lakeshores, and unlock the hidden treasures of self-discovery guided by experts and seasoned practitioners. Engage in guided meditations, nature walks, creative expressions, and group reﬂections. Awaken your presence, ﬁnd inner stillness, cultivate resilience, unleash creativity, deepen connections, and integrate mindfulness into your daily life. By the journey’s end, you’ll emerge with profound self-understanding, a renewed connection to nature, and a toolbox of mindfulness techniques to navigate life’s chal-lenges with grace. Seize this chance to cultivate mindfulness, forge lasting friendships, and unlock the door to inner harmony and personal growth. Don’t miss out—your transformative adventure awaits!SPORTS, WELLNESS & LEISURE

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20COURSE CODE: 24MM12CRIME AND PUNISHMENT: EXPLORING THE INNER WORKINGS OF THE AMERICAN JUDICIARYIn this immersive and intensive Maymester course, students will embark on a com-prehensive journey through the intricacies of the American judicial system. From its historical foundations to contemporary challenges, participants will gain a deep understanding of the pivotal role the judiciary plays in the United States’ governance and society. Designed for those seeking a foundational understanding of the U.S. legal framework, the course will provide insights into the legal principles, institutions, and practices that shape American law and society. By the end of this Maymester course, you will have a solid understanding of the American legal system, enabling you to crit-ically assess legal issues, navigate the legal landscape, and make informed decisions in various personal and professional contexts. Whether you plan to pursue a legal career or simply want to comprehend the legal system’s role in society, this course will equip you with valuable knowledge and skills. Join us for an intensive exploration of the American legal system this Maymester!COURSE CODE: 24MM17LIFE 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 long-term life goals and how do you plan to get there? This Maymester course will focus on practi-cal life skills that will help you learn strategic and practical approaches to using your school knowledge to put you on the path to a fulﬁlling life and career. Topics will include, but not be limited to: how to prepare a resume, interview skills, networking skills, personal ﬁnance fundamentals (taxes, insurance, investing, etc.), and leadership development. In short, you are acquiring a Porsche-quality education, so you should learn where you want to go and how to get there.COURSE CODE: 24MM26SPEAK WITH CONFIDENCE: AN INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC SPEAKINGUnleash your potential as a skilled communicator in our Speak with Conﬁdence Maymester course. This engaging and empowering course is designed to equip you with the fundamental tools to conquer stage fright, craft compelling narratives, and deliver impactful speeches on a subject of your choice. Through interactive sessions with the instructors, Woodward alumni in a variety of ﬁelds, and communications experts, you’ll learn the fundamentals of public speaking—crafting an argument, analyzing your audience, and presenting your material persuasively using both voice and body language. This course provides a supportive environment to boost your self-assurance and transform you into a conﬁdent and eloquent speaker. By the end of the course, you will have developed a persuasive speech on an issue you’re passionate about, and you’ll be prepared to share that speech with your community if you choose to do so.LEADERSHIP, ENTREPRENEURSHIP & CAREER EXPLORATION

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21COURSE CODE: 24MM47CAREER EXPLORATION: UNVEILING YOUR FUTURE PATHThis Maymester course will provide the clarity you need to unveil your future path! Through immersive experiences, you’ll gather information to make informed decisions about your future trajectory. In this exhilarating Maymester adventure, students will embark on an eye-opening exploration of diverse professions, granting unprecedented access to the inner workings of various industries. Through a series of captivating visits to law ofﬁces, ofﬁces of medical practitioners, tech facilities, entrepreneurs’ domains, and more, you’ll gain valuable insights, experience “behind the scenes” action, and broaden your horizons in ways you’ve never imagined.COURSE CODE: 24MM55THE MAGIC OF DISNEY: A CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE DRIVEN BY INTERDISCIPLINARY EXCELLENCE!The Magic of Disney! It’s likely that many of you have experienced it! You’ve certainly all heard of it. And of course, you all know what the “magical” recipe is... NO?! Well, in this course, we’ll dissect the gumbo that is “Disney Magic,” identify the ingredients, and determine how these elements can be used to cook up our own magic for years to come.COURSE CODE: 24MM56PHILANTHROPY 101: ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDEWhat do Dan Cathy and Arthur Blank have in common? They both have Woodward connections, but they also are both transformational philanthropists. Why do people give away their wealth? One of the most impactful ways to show gratitude to organi-zations that are meaningful to you is through the gift of time, talent, and treasure. Find out how this “Attitude of Gratitude” has transformed the city of Atlanta and Woodward Academy. This experiential course will introduce students to the importance of philan-thropy in creating opportunities and helping to solve societal problems. Anyone who is interested in how the nonproﬁt sector operates would ﬁnd this course interesting and transformative. Guest speakers could include many names you see on buildings throughout the city.LEADERSHIP, ENTREPRENEURSHIP & CAREER EXPLORATION

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22COURSE CODE: 24MM18THE PSYCHOLOGY OF HORROR STORIESWhy do we sometimes like to be scared? What pattern of storytelling do we see in frightening books, movies, and television shows? In this Maymester class, we will look at a movie based on a classic gothic novel, “Jane Eyre,” and then we will read a contem-porary novel about someone who lives in a haunted house. What do these stories have in common, and how might they relate to shows that you like to watch?COURSE CODE: 24MM37QUESTION: SO YOU’D RATHER NOT HAVE SUMMER READING?Answer: Then let’s do it before summer begins! Let’s face it: 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 ﬁnd time 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 work on the online questions, all under the direction of a teacher. We also will ﬁt in a review of quotation discussion and the ﬁve-paragraph paper in preparation for the writing you will have to do when you return to school in the fall. What do you get in return for spending your Maymester with summer reading? More time to enjoy summer and a strong start to the next school year!COURSE CODE: 24MM44WHAT’S YOUR STORY?: STORYTELLING AS A PATH TO CONNECTIONWhether it’s around a campﬁre, the lunch table, or over the phone, we’ve all shared our stories with our friends. Storytelling—that is, telling true stories from our experi-ence—is a way to connect with others, to be acknowledged, and to be seen. By sharing and listening to each other’s stories, whether they are funny or sad, we all get a little bit closer to what’s true, to touching the invisible threads of human experience that con-nect us all. YOU have stories to tell. This course will help you tell them aloud in front of an audience! Want to know what you are in for? Check out TheMoth.org. Not only will we hear lots of great stories, we’ll develop a strong sense of story structure, learn how to engage an audience, and gain conﬁdence speaking in front of a crowd.COURSE CODE: 24MM45ADVENTURES IN NOVEL WRITINGUnleash your imagination in this fun course designed to spark ideas and help you cre-ate the foundation for your own novel. In this class you will explore your unique voice, engage in writing games designed to spark new ideas, and explore diverse genres and writing styles. Through crafting worlds and characters, outlining dynamic plots, and building community through feedback, students will lay the groundwork for their masterpiece. Your story matters!LITERATURE, CREATIVE WRITING & STORYTELLING

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24COURSE CODE: 24MM33OUTDOOR EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIPWe will use the outdoors to help teach and grow conﬁdence, independence, lead-ership skills, environmental stewardship, group dynamics, and wilderness skills. Our ﬁrst day will be spent on campus; then, we will spend a week at our home base, Lake Winﬁeld Scott Campground. While camping, you will learn and practice gear selec-tion, use, and maintenance. In addition, you will participate in trip preparation, outdoor cooking, navigation, ﬁre building, outdoor safety, and camp set up and tear down. Basic Wilderness First Aid lessons also will be part of our program. The course will culminate with a two night backpacking trip. Making memories and building com-munity in the great outdoors while learning valuable, lifelong skills is at the heart of this course. Note: Students signing up for this course must be willing and able to live outdoors and engage in physical activity.Course Fee: This course has an additional cost of approximately $250.COURSE CODE: 24MM36INTRODUCTION TO SAILINGHave you ever wondered how boats made their way on the water without an engine? How the Age of Exploration happened before the invention of motors or steam engines? Human beings have navigated the world’s oceans for thousands of years via wind power alone. During our Maymester course, we’ll explore the origins of one of man’s seminal inventions. We’ll learn about the physics of sailing, how the wind drives boats across the water, and how we race sailboats to their max in the modern age. We’ll touch on navigation, and safety at sea, and we’ll learn about how young people are redeﬁning an ancient sport. And, best of all, we’ll spend two days on Lake Lanier, trying our hand at sailing a 30-foot yacht ourselves! Note: This course is limited to 10 students.Course Fee: This course has an additional cost of approximately $700.COURSE CODE: 24MM65STEM @ BOSTON TRIPYou can’t cross the street in Boston without seeing the impact of science, technology, and engineering. In fact, the Big Dig, the most expensive highway project in the Unit-ed States, rerouted some of those very streets into tunnels beneath Boston. Some of the brightest minds in the world call the hub city home, and it’s no wonder why. Sky-scrapers built on land that had once been a swamp, a harbor that rebounded from one of the ﬁlthiest in the U.S. to one of the cleanest, and institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and FIRST® Robotics, make Boston a symbol of innovation and ingenuity. Explore how Boston’s abundance of universities and tech startups has made it a leader in science and technology. This is a ﬁve-day, all-inclusive trip which covers hotels, transportation, breakfasts, dinners, and tickets to events managed by EF Explore America, a preferred travel vendor for Woodward Academy. This trip has an expected departure of Sunday, May 19, and a return date of Thursday, May 23.Course Fee: This course has an additional cost of approximately $3,295.“ABOVE & BEYOND” EXPERIENCES

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25The 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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