Voyager Academy Project Exhibition Day, Nov. 13, 2023
4302 Ben Franklin Blvd.
Durham, NC 27704
Home of the Vikings
WELCOME!
What to ask... To help guide you through exhibits, and to be a participant in the learning process, please feel free to ask students any of the following questions:
- What was the driving question for the project?
- What prior knowledge did you need to complete the project?
- What was the entry event for the project/how did the teacher present the idea of the project to you?
- How long did you have to complete the project?
- How did the project relate to a real world issue/topic?
- How would you change the project for future classes?
(click here for a printable version)
(Listed in order of classroom)
Invest Like a Teenager!
Rm: A148
Economics & Personal Finance (EPF), Dennis Baker
Driving question(s)
How do I become wealthy?
Description
Come by to see how students have been doing in our Investment Portfolio Competition! See their current portfolio leaderboard, as well as leaderboards from years past. Watch some of the students' Investment Vlogs, where they analyze their own portfolios--what investments have gone up, which ones have gone down, speculation as to why, etc.
Scary Stories to tell in English II
Rm: A151
English II and Honors English II, Evan Greaves
Driving question(s)
How do we write the scariest story possible?
Description
Students engaged in a study of scary stories in order to develop their own personal scary story. Students also created "book" covers that capture the mood, depict a scene, setting, or character from the story. Simply scan the QR code on each cover to access each story.
Come Argue With Us!
Rm: A151
AP English Language and Composition, Evan Greaves
Driving question(s)
How do we make effective arguments?
Description
Students engaged in debates with classmates around collaboratively chosen topics. Students wrote formal arguments and responded to their peers. Finally, the remainder of the class voted on the winners. We'd love to hear your viewpoint! Use the QR code below each set of arguments to weigh in.
Nailing the Analytical Essay
Rm: A152
English I Honors, Amy Scott
Driving question(s)
How do I show my deep thinking about a book?
Description
Students wrote literary essays in a formal style to demonstrate their analysis of a novel they read in book club.
Speak!
Rm: A152
Public Speaking, Amy Scott
Driving question(s)
What do you need to say?
Description
Students can choose a project we've done (eulogy, graduation speech, wedding toast, or story) and deliver their speech to peers and parents.
100+ Million Displaced People
Rm: B 118
International Relations, Steven Gatlin
Driving question(s)
What are the challenges and opportunities of resettling refugees in the US?
Description
Students are researching the current events that have displaced over 100 million people in the world today. We are researching the the trends and examining the data. We are applying different levels of analysis to each situation in an attempt to understand the global and interstate connections. We are partnered with World Relief, a local organization that helps resettle refugees in the Triangle area. We are hosting a winter clothing drive for them. Please consider donating gently used winter coats, hats, and gloves, now through December.
Three minutes of suspense
Rm: B118
Film 101, Steven Gatlin
Driving question(s)
How do script writers build suspense in movies?
Description
Students have studied how screen writers build suspense. In groups they have written the minute scripts where they attempted to build suspense using the skills they have been learning in class.
Are You Full of Grit?
Rm: B119
Math 4, Ken Boyer
Driving question(s)
What is my level of persistence and how does that affect my math achievement?
Description
Research suggests that grit, not intelligence or talent, is the best predictor of achievement, even in math, because grit leads to confidence, which is one of VAHS’s core values, and because confidence leads to achievement. Students will analyze, test, and reflect on their persistence level through a variety of tasks.
For the Love of Trees
Rm: B119
Honors PreCalculus, Ken Boyer
Driving question(s)
How can I use math to measure the world?
Description
Students will select a tree to document, honor, and measure.
Desmos Art Project
Rm: B130
Math 3, Christian Gloade
Driving question(s)
How can I use functions to model a work of art?
Description
Students will use the online graphing calculator Desmos to recreate a work of art using various piecewise functions to model a picture. Students must use a minimum of 50 equations and 5 different families of functions in their artwork. Come check out the amazing final projects and have students show you how it's done!
Are You Smarter Than A 9th Grader?
Rm: B131
Foundations of Math 1, Yen Nguyen
Driving question(s)
1. How do you add/subtract integers?
2. How do you multiply/divide integers?
Description
Students made board games to practice basic operations on integers. Come to play their games and see if you can beat a 9th grader.
Parabola Selfie Project
Rm: B133
Math 2, Tricia Higdon
Driving question(s)
How can I apply my knowledge of quadratics to a parabola I find?
Description
Students find a parabola in their everyday life. Then students will apply their knowledge of quadratics to write an equation of their image and analyze key features of their quadratic function. Come see their findings and let them explain their knowledge of quadratics.
Desmos Graphing Project
Rm: B133
Math 1, Tricia Higdon
Driving question(s)
How can I create digital art from linear equations?
Description
Students draw an image using diagonal, vertical, and horizontal lines. Students write and enter linear equations into Desmos.com to recreate their image digitally. Come check out their amazing creations.
ReRoot: Growing Greens from Recycled Means
Rm: C112
Earth & Environmental , Joy Batty
Driving question(s)
How can we design a sustainable indoor garden using recycled materials to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices within our school community.
Description
Students will embark on a sustainability journey, tasked with the challenge of designing an indoor garden using only recycled materials. The goal is to not only promote eco-friendly practices within the classroom but also to inspire the broader school community about the possibilities and benefits of sustainable gardening. Through this hands-on experience, students will deepen their understanding of environmental science and the tangible ways in which repurposed materials can be given a second life in the service of green initiatives.
Don't Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch!
Rm: C113
Honors Chemistry, Lori Fortkort
Driving question(s)
How important is calcium for us and chickens?
Description
Students have expressed a desire to hatch chicken eggs and learn more about the chemistry of the eggshells. We invested in three incubators and have learned how to use them. The eggshells contain a vital element which is calcium. We also will be learning more about this element and the compound it makes with the carbonate ion since calcium carbonate is the main ingredient in eggshells.
A Day In The Life....
Rm: C114
Bull City Lights, Chance Gates
Driving question(s)
How can we show the public what all goes into our projects?
Description
Students in Bull City Lights will participate in a live rehearsal in which community members are encouraged to stop by, ask proposed questions, and witness what goes into the making of our "projects."
Genetics & CRISPR-Cas9: Gene Editing Technology to Treat Human Disorders and Diseases
Rm: C115
AP Biology, Honors Biology, and Biology, Amelia Punt
Driving question(s)
Should humans be able to alter the genetic blueprint of life, DNA, in regard to human genetic diseases?
Description
This gene-editing project introduced students to a genetic disease, CRISPR-Cas9, and the ethics of using this technology. Students first researched CRISPR-Cas9 and gene editing. Then, students picked a disorder or disease that could be cured by using CRISPR technology to research. Lastly, students reflected and discussed the ethics of using CRISPR-Cas9 and other gene editing tools to treat their disease.
If I Ran The Zoo
Rm: C116
Zoology, Dalila Lilly
Driving question(s)
How can we protect endangered and/or threatened species?
Description
Throughout the semester students have been learning about conservation efforts. Students selected an endangered (or threatened) species to research. They then created a presentation about the species' diet, habitat, reproductive cycle, etc. For this PBL display you will get to see their plans for protecting the species they chose and also how much planning and attention to detail must be done to ensure species thrive in their new habitat.
Nightmare on Your Street- Negative Impacts of Invasive Species
Rm: C116
Biology/Honors Biology, Dalila Lilly
Driving question(s)
What are the ecological, economic, and human health threats associated with invasive species.
Description
Each year our government spends billions of dollars a year trying to eradicate invasive species. Invasive species are organisms that were brought to a new habitat intentionally (or unintentionally. These species compete with native species and can cause populations to decline, habitat destruction, and also sometimes spread disease. Some of the invasive species in NC include the Emerald Ash Borer, Lionfish, and Kudzu vines. In this project you will learn more about some of these species and steps being taken to eradicate them.
What does it mean to recycle?
Rm: C117
ECS , Stacy Harris
Driving question(s)
How does recycling save the environment?
Description
What does it look like to recycle, where does it go?
Recycling in todays world!
Rm: C117
ECS, Stacy Harris
Driving question(s)
What does recycling look like in today's society?
Description
What can we recycle and where does it go?
How do we recycle to save the earth?
Rm: C117
ecs, stacy harris
Driving question(s)
How and what do we recycle?
Description
Learning how to recycle to help save the Earth.
World History Country Road Trip Project
Rm: D121
World History, Sarah Hambrick
Driving question(s)
As a travel agent, how would you "sell" people on visiting the country you researched?
Description
Students are researching different countries around the world and creating a poster, a write up, and a brochure to show how enticing it would be to visit this country, and how they, as the representative travel agent, would convince others to visit and enjoy what this country has to offer.
US States Road Trip Project
Rm: D121
US History, Sarah Hambrick
Driving question(s)
As a travel agent for your state, how would you "sell" people on visiting the state you researched?
Description
Students are researching different states in the U.S. by creating a poster, a write up, and brochure to show how enticing it would be to visit this state, and how they, as the representative travel agent, would convince others to visit and enjoy what this state has to offer.
Messages in Art
Rm: D122
World History, Honors World History, Lauren Morris
Driving question(s)
How is art used to share messages?
Description
Photo collage and descriptions of art used by an Absolute Monarch, art used by a non-Monarch from this time period (1750-1914), and YOU! Descriptions will be about the messages and symbolism in art.
Career Ready Characteristics
Rm: D123
Career Management, Altrenna Patterson
Driving question(s)
Are you prepared for the 21st Century workforce?
Description
Come explore the way we learn processes, strategies, procedures and behaviors for 21st Century Careers.
Are you ready for a 21st Century Career?
Rm: D123
Career Management, Altrenna Patterson
Driving question(s)
What skills are needed to obtain and maintain employment?
Description
Student will discuss the guest and interviewees posted on the display outside of the classroom. They will explain how they determined their characteristics and what career would be best for them. Student will then interview guest regarding their career decisions and requirements to obtain those careers.
"And Then There Was One" A Spoof!
Rm: D124
Intermediate Theatre Arts, Honors Proficient Theatre Arts, Molly Paradis
Driving question(s)
What does it take to beceome a character?
Description
Students selected a play to produce this semester. In the last few weeks, we have been preparing for our production "And Then There was One" A Spoof! by Michael Druce. Please stop by the bulletin board outside of D124 to see the cast "suspects and victims" and find out information about the play happening later this week!
Escribiendo Un Libro Infantil en Español
Rm: D126
Spanish I, Nuria Vicens
Driving question(s)
Can I write a children’s book in Spanish with the vocabulary I’ve learned?
Description
Students will use the vocabulary they have learned in class to create a children’s book.
Las Estaciones / Seasons
Rm: D126
Spanish II, Nuria Vicens
Driving question(s)
Can I create a lesson plan that teaches elementary aged children about the seasons?
Description
Students created a PowerPoint Spanish lesson for elementary students. The lesson is designed to teach the kids about the different seasons. The lesson must cover the months, weather, activities and holidays enjoyed during each season. The lesson must also incorporate a learning activity and a way to test the elementary students on the material taught.
Aprendiendo sobre un País Hispano / Learning about a Spanish Speaking Country
Rm: D126
Spanish I , Nuria Vicens
Driving question(s)
Can I research a Spanish speaking country and its cuisine and then write and present my findings in Spanish?
Description
Students researched a Spanish speaking country, wrote a report, made a trifold presentation and a dish from their country. Students then presented their report in Spanish and shared their dish with the class.
Antojitos Hispanos / Hispanic Treats
Rm: D126
Spanish I & II, Nuria Vicens
Driving question(s)
Can I research and create a Hispanic Treat?
Description
Students were asked to research a Hispanic Treat, cook it and then explain when it's eaten and its cultural significance to the class.
Cuentos Infantiles: Spanish Language Children's Books
Rm: D126
Spanish I, Nuria Vicens
Driving question(s)
Can I write a children’s book in Spanish with the vocabulary I’ve learned?
Description
Students authored assorted children’s book using the vocabulary they have
learned in class. They then read their books to students at Voyager Academy Elementary School.
We've Got Talent! Come See the Artwork of VAHS Art Students
Rm: E124
Art 1 and 2, Kelly LaVette
Driving question(s)
What processes and techniques did you use to paint your portrait?
Can you walk us through the practice work and steps you took?
What tips do you have for other artists starting this drawing and painting process?
Description
Students in Art 1 and Art 2 used the grid drawing method to enlarge a photograph.
Art 1 students were asked to select and paint an inspirational celebrity who has made such an impact on their culture and generation whose legacy would live on forever, much like the famous subjects used in Andy Warhol’s artwork.
The Pop Art Movement paved the way for modern art during the mid-1950’s. Artists during this time would use commercial brands and celebrity icons as their subject matter to represent the current trends, ideals, and values of their time. This movement was characterized by the artists’ use bold colors and simplicity of design. One of the most notable artists of the Pop Art Movement was Andy Warhol. Andy Warhol used celebrity photos as reference for his work that he found from tabloids, magazines, and newspapers. Icons such as Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Queen Elizabeth, and James Dean were all subjects for his famous silkscreen portraits.
Art 2 students were asked to select and edit a photo of themselves to draw and paint self-portraits using the grid drawing method. They were given the option to paint in an Achromatic color scheme (black, a range of greys, and white) or a Monochromatic color scheme (one color and shades and tints of that color).
Humans Vs. Machines - Who is the better Songwriter?
Rm: E136
Bull City Sound, Max Puhala
Driving question(s)
What makes music human?
Description
Can you tell the difference between AI-generated music, and compositions written by human musicians? Come watch Bull City Sound band students presentations on strategies to spot what is real and what is not!
Lesson Taught Through A Themed Puppet Show
Rm: E140
English 1, Darryl Patterson
Driving question(s)
How can we effectively teach a child a lesson through entertainment?
Description
Students wrote a story and created paper bag puppets focusing on the story theme, which they used to teach a lesson to Voyager Academy Elementary students through a puppet show.
Stereotypes in the Media
Rm: E140
Media Studies , Darryl Patterson
Driving question(s)
What can be done to negate racial stereotypes produced in the media?
Description
Students analyzed multiple shows/movies and a tv advertisement for the presence of racial stereotypes and they evaluated the impact of stereotypes in society.
Can I Teach Spanish?
Rm: E141
Span 2 & Span 3, Stewart Bankhead
Driving question(s)
How can I help someone learn enough Spanish so that s/he can speak about a specific topic?
Description
The students will work in groups and focus on a cultural area of interest to them: food, dance, music, art, etc. They must create a product to exhibit to individuals in the wider community. Concurrently, they must teach these individuals enough Spanish to discuss the product with the group. The product and the discussion must be filmed and posted so that it is available to the community.
What's Wrong with Youth Sports
Rm: GYM
Combo Sports 2, Mike Huff
Driving question(s)
Are youth sports "broken?" If yes, how can we fix them.
Description
Did you know that the average age that kids drop out of sports in now 11 years old???Experts around the country have declared that youth sports in America are "broken." The focus on winning, "elite" teams, cost of play, lack of low cost options, overuse injuries, poorly trained coaches, and pressure from parents are among the factors that push young people out of sports, when we can all agree that sports are an important part of growing up.
Save a Life!
Rm: GYM
Health/Physical Education2, Alexandra Kehoe
Driving question(s)
What is the check, call, care process for someone who goes unconscious?
Description
Students will be demonstrating the check, call, care process for someone who goes unconscious. There will also be QR codes displaying student videos demonstrating the check, call, care process.