Voyager Academy High School Project Exhibition Day, April 8, 2024
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)
Exhibition Day Welcome Concert
Rm: Lobby
Year 2 Band, Max Puhala
Driving question(s)
What makes a great show?
Description
Students selected (or wrote!) their own songs to learn and perform for Exhibition Day. All compositions are chosen by students and feature numerous solos!
Chinese Festival!
Rm: A148
Honors Chinese IV, Dennis Baker
Driving question(s)
How do we culminate 4 semester of Chinese language & culture learning?
Description
Come and visit with our Honors Chinese IV students as they culminate 4 semesters of learning Chinese with food, games, temporary tattoos, and more!
From Script to Screen: Reel Talent
Rm: A149
Film 101, Anna Todd
Driving question(s)
How do you make a movie?
Description
Screen the film Four Truths and a Lie, a mystery/horror film! Get ready to embark on an exhilarating cinematic journey with the Student Filmmaking Project! This cross-curricular adventure goes beyond the boundaries of traditional learning as students delve into every aspect of filmmaking, from pre-production to post-production wizardry. Alongside Ms. Patterson's Marketing class, students seamlessly blend their creative prowess with strategic marketing insights, crafting captivating films that not only dazzle on-screen but also leave a lasting impact on audiences. Through collaborative efforts, students master the art of storytelling, visual composition, camera techniques, scriptwriting brilliance, and editing finesse. Together, they navigate the intricacies of communication, teamwork, and compromise, transforming their visions into cinematic marvels. As the curtain rises on the grand screening event, their films take center stage, captivating audiences and fueling a profound sense of accomplishment and pride in their cinematic achievements!
Ink & Insight: Frankenstein's Blackout Verse
Rm: A149
AP English Literature & Composition, Anna Todd
Driving question(s)
How do interpretations influence the interplay between literature, art, and human experience?
Description
This project invites students to explore Frankenstein through the innovative technique of blackout poetry and art. By delving into the text, students analyze its themes and abstract concepts, translating them into expressive poetry and visual art forms. Through their creations, students capture and interpret the essence of Shelley's masterpiece, offering unique perspectives on its themes and messages.
Stop by create your own blackout poetry.
An American Storybook
Rm: A150
ENG 3, Andre Ross
Driving question(s)
How has American literature changed and evolved over the course of time?
Description
Students studied the history of American Literature, and the various time periods. Students created a storybook of their own in which they wrote stories modeled after the literature of their assigned time period.
Which Was Better: The Book or The Movie?
Rm: A150
ENG 4 , Andre Ross
Driving question(s)
How does the way we receive a story impact our understanding and perception of the story?
Description
Students explored the idea of storytelling in this project. They each read a book that has been adapted to film or television. They were tasked with analyzing characters, setting, and also visual and audio aspects of their chosen book/movie. They sought out to answer what impacts our ability to enjoy stories. Their presentations compare and contrast the book and film in terms of how the story was told, and also which they enjoyed more, offering recommendations to their classmates.
Blackout Poetry Creation and Exhibition
Rm: A151
English II, Honors English II, Evan Greaves
Driving question(s)
On Display: Things Fall Apart Blackout Poems- How can we use blackout poetry to communicate our understanding of the novel?
Create with Us!: Blackout Poetry Workshops- How can we help exhibition attendees make their own blackout poems?
Description
On Display: Things Fall Apart Blackout Poems
Description: Students have created blackout poems that communicate their understanding of our class novel, Things Fall Apart. Blackout poetry, a type of found poetry, uses already existing text as the foundation for new poetry. The poems you see displayed both outside and inside room A151 use pages from the novel as the material for the students’ new creations.
Create with Us!: Blackout Poetry Workshops
Description: Come make your own blackout poem! Students will help walk you through the process of creating a blackout poem. You can choose to take your finished poem home or leave it in the classroom where it will be displayed. Student helpers will be there to assist you at every step of the process. There will be a brief Eclipse break from 3:00-3:30.
@WillyP_Shakezzz
Rm: A152
English I, Amy Scott
Driving question(s)
What if the Capulets and Montagues had Snapchat?
Description
Students chose an interaction from Shakespeare's tragedy, translated it into modern slang, and presented it in a digital way.
Me in 600 Words
Rm: A152
Creative Writing, Amy Scott
Driving question(s)
What defines you?
Description
Each student wrote a personal essay in 600 words or fewer. It had a clear narrative arc with a conflict and a main character (the author) who changed in some way. They artfully balanced the action of the story with reflection on what it meant to them. They took risks, like including dialogue or playing with punctuation, sentence structure, and word choice to develop a strong voice. And, perhaps most important, they focused on a specific moment or theme — a text conversation, an interaction with an unhoused person, a lie to their parents, a visit to see extended family — instead of trying to sum up their life.
Hogwarts and Politics
Rm: B118
AP US Government and Politics , Steven Gatlin
Driving question(s)
Is there a correlation between political identity and Hogwarts Houses?
Description
Voyager students in Government and Politics classes are conducting an experiment to investigate if there is a relationship between one's political views and where that person would fit in the world of Harry Potter. Come see our results and how you fit in.
Mathematicians
Rm: B119
Honors PreCalculus, Ken Boyer
Driving question(s)
Are Mathematicians the Most Interesting People in the History of the World?
Description
To involve people at the deepest level, you need stories (Harvard Business Review). The future of mathematics education is in the throes of rehumanization. There is nothing more human, pervasive, and powerful than connecting our students with the power of story.
Nothing (Sunil Singh). Honors PreCalculus researched the stories behind selected mathematicians.
Navigating the World
Rm: B119
Math 4, Ken Boyer
Driving question(s)
How do I use trigonometry to navigate the world?
Description
Students used trigonometry to navigate to 5 international cities, collecting souvenirs, food, knowledge and experiences along the way.
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!
Lines Can Do That!
Rm: B131
Math 1, Yen Nguyen
Driving question(s)
How Do I Use Lines to Create A Masterpiece?
Description
Students were using Linear Functions with restricted domain to digitally create their original art piece on Desmos.
Quadratic Project - Can you graph it?
Rm: B133
Math 2 and Honors Math 2, Tricia Higdon
Driving question(s)
Can I create a quadratic motion and apply my knowledge of quadratics to it?
Description
Students record a quadratic motion and turn it into a time-lapse photo. 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 creations and let them explain their knowledge of quadratics.
Clear Waters Ahead: Engineering a Local Water Filtration System
Rm: C112
Earth & Environmental , Joy Batty
Driving question(s)
How can we as Environmental Engineers build a filtration system to clean our community's water?
Description
Students initiated the project by collecting water samples from our community's waterways. Leveraging their knowledge and creativity, students designed and constructed unique filtration systems aimed at purifying the collected water. The effectiveness of each system was evaluated through pre- and post-filtration water quality tests, focusing on indicators such as turbidity, pH, and contaminant levels. This hands-on project not only showcased the students' ingenuity in developing practical solutions to environmental challenges but also emphasized the importance of clean water and sustainable living practices in our communities.
Catch those Chickens!
Rm: C113
Physical Science, Lori Fortkort
Driving question(s)
How do eggshells provide protection for the developing chicks?
Description
Students have expressed a desire to hatch chicken eggs and learn more about the strength and chemistry of the eggshells. We invested in three incubators and learned how to use them. The eggshells provide protection for the developing chick and the shells require a great deal of force to break. We are exploring exactly how much force is needed to break the shell. We also will be learning more about calcium carbonate which is the main component of eggshells.
Catch that Serial Killer!
Rm: C113
Forensics, Lori Fortkort
Driving question(s)
What characteristics of serial killers help us identify them?
Description
Students chose a serial killer and researched their lives as well as the murders they've committed. In addition to a presentation about this person, the students prepared a "Wanted" poster to summarize the characteristics of the killer as well as the types of victims they preyed upon.
The Show Must Go On...
Rm: C114
Bull City Lights, Chance Gates
Driving question(s)
How can we show the public what all goes into our projects that progress through the year?
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."
SOLAR ECLIPSE!!! Today (4/8)!!!!
Rm: C115
Earth and Environmental Science , Amelia Punt
Driving question(s)
What creative methods can we devise to teach second graders about a solar eclipse and how can we safely observe this phenomenon?
Description
Students will teach Mr. Punt’s 2nd grade class about the total solar eclipse that will occur on April 8th with a mini lesson and hands on craft. Students will also be available to show parents and other students on the day of the solar eclipse by handing out glasses, answering questions, and showing their work.
Public Transportation
Rm: C116
ECS, Stacy Harris
Driving question(s)
How do I ride public transportation?
Description
What does it look like for me to use public transportatio, request a stop etc.
CSI Voyager: What is a Forensic Psychiatrist?
Rm: C116
Forensics, Dalila Lilly
Driving question(s)
What is the Role of a Criminal Profiler?
Description
For this project students took on the role of criminal profiler (forensic psychiatrist). Students researched educational requirements, job duties, and also learned about the contributions of profilers to many major criminal cases. Students then applied what they learned to create a profile of a serial killer (or other high profile criminal). Click on the QR Codes on each poster to hear students talk about their research and profile.
Nightmare Date: Invasive Species Edition
Rm: C116
AP Environmental Science, Dalila Lilly
Driving question(s)
How do Invasive Species Impact Humans, Ecosystems, and the Economy?
Description
Each year the US government spends millions (and sometimes billions) of dollars trying to eradicate and/or control invasive species. Invasive species are species that were introduced either intentionally or unintentionally into a new area. Invasive species tend to out compete native species, reproduce rapidly, and do not have any natural predators. Invasive species can also cause diseases in humans or destroy crops, trees, etc. Students in APES researched invasive plant and animal species to see how devastating their impact can be. They then created a Nightmare Dating Profile to bring awareness of these species. Many of the species researched also have an impact on our state. Click each QR Code to see the Public Service Announcements they created.
States Road Trip Project
Rm: D121
US History, Sarah Hambrick
Driving question(s)
As a travel agent, how would you "sell" people on visiting the state you researched?
Description
Students are researching different states around the U.S. and creating a poster, a write up, and a brochure to show how enticing it would be to visit this state, 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
Honors World History , Lauren Morris
Driving question(s)
How is art used to share messages?
Description
Students created photo collages and descriptions of art used by an Absolute Monarch, art used by a non-Monarch from this time period (1750-1914), and YOU!
How did you build your career?
Rm: D123
Career Management, Altrenna Patterson
Driving question(s)
What steps have you taken to reach your career?
Description
This project will allow students to see how parents characteristics, interests, values and skills contribute to the success or failure of their career.
OCS Unites: Building a Stronger Community Through Service
Rm: D125
Employment Preparation 1-3, Jamie Brown
Driving question(s)
How can we mobilize our community to address homelessness amongst teenagers through meaningful service initiatives?
Description
Empowering Change: Student-Led Community Service Drive for Haven House Nonprofit in Raleigh. Students are dedicated to supporting homeless teenagers, many of whom have fled difficult home situations or aged out of foster care, by collecting essential items to provide them with stability and hope.
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 using the vocabulary and grammar rules I have learned in class?
Description
Students were tasked with writing and illustrating a children’s book using the vocabulary and grammar we have covered in class.
To prepare, students visited VAES kindergarten and first grade classroom and read children's books to the students. During the classroom visit the students asked the kindergarten and first graders what they like to do and what they like to read about.
They used their experience in the elementary classrooms to help them craft an engaging story.
Once their books were completed, they returned to the VAES and presented their books to
kindergarten and first grade classes.
Biografía de una Personalidad Hispana
Rm: D126
Spanish 2, Nuria Vicéns
Driving question(s)
Can I create an oral report and a slideshow presentation of a notable Hispanic personality using the vocabulary and grammar rules I have learned in class?
Description
Students selected a notable Hispanic personality to research. Using their research they created a report for an oral presentation and a slideshow to match. Students presented their biographies in class.
Learn to Draw in 20 Minutes!
Rm: E124
Art 1 and Art 2, Kelly LaVette
Driving question(s)
Can you teach someone to draw a horse in 20 minutes using the upside down drawing method? Why is this technique so effective?
Description
Learning how to draw from observation is one of the most challenging skills to develop for beginning artists. It takes consistent practice to develop the hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills and it can be difficult to get your hand to draw what your eyes are seeing.
LEARNING HOW TO SEE what it is you are drawing is the first step in observational drawing.
For this lesson, students were asked to replicate two different photocopied drawings (a horse and a man) in order to develop their observational drawing skills. The “catch” for this assignment was that students had to turn the photocopied picture upside down AND draw it upside down on their paper! Upside Down Drawing is one effective technique to develop this artistic skill and there is actual neurological science behind it!
The left hemisphere of the brain craves organization, reasoning, and logic. Using left brain logic, one will attempt to draw a horse from memory since, of course, it already knows what a horse looks like! In contrast, the right hemisphere of the brain is the free-spirit, responsible for artistic creativity and imagination. It can take processes one step at a time and doesn’t need to see the whole picture or outcome to function smoothly.
By turning the picture upside down and drawing it upside down we are attempting to confuse the left hemisphere of the brain and activate the right side of the brain. The idea is to "forget" what it is you are drawing and focus solely on the angles of lines, lengths of lines, and the shapes and spaces in between the lines.
Everyone can learn how to draw and we are here to teach you!
Projects of Personal Finance
Rm: E135
Economics and Personal Finance, James Mills
Driving question(s)
How will you use what you have learned in the real world?
Description
Students are presenting projects that they have found meaningful from Personal Finance class. Projects include Cars, Colleges, Jobs, Houses, and Stocks.
"The Most Dangerous Game" Board Game
Rm: E140
English 1, Darryl Patterson
Driving question(s)
How can I use problem solving skills to reach my goal?
Description
Students will be working in groups to design a board game inspired by “The Most Dangerous Game.” They were given a piece of poster board for the board game as well as access to supplies such as colored paper, markers, crayons, glue, colored pencils and scissors. Any other materials you will need must be brought from home.
We Are Experts/Somos expertos
Rm: E141
Spanish 2, Spanish 4, Stewart Bankhead
Driving question(s)
What makes (my country) (my country)?
Description
The students will work in groups, and each group will focus on a single Hispanic country. They must create a product to exhibit to individuals in the Voyager and surrounding communities. The students will build a Google Site (or other site) to showcase their learning. The site must contain interdisciplinary content including background information on the area’s geography, history, demographics, and economy, an overview of the current issues facing the country, and monthly news updates, information on artistic and musical expressions from the country (crafts, musical genres, monuments/architecture, fine arts), at least one literary text from the country. The idea is to find and read a short story, poem or a segment from an iconic text from the country (e.g., a segment from Don Quijote from Spain or a poem by Rubén Darío from Nicaragua. The entry should include the work or a link to the work, a description and/or summary of the theme, and a brief statement of why the work is an important cultural reference for the country.), one or more celebrations and/or traditions (carnaval, día de muertos, religious and/or civic celebrations).
Let's Improve your Physical Performance!
Rm: GYM
Strength Training, Alexandra Kehoe
Driving question(s)
What exercises can one use to improve their skill related fitness components in order for increased physical performance?
Description
Come take notes as you watch student created videos showing you how to improve your skill related fitness components.
How to Save a Life: CPR Edition
Rm: GYM
Physical Education, Alexandra Kehoe
Driving question(s)
What is the check, call, care process for when someone goes unconscious?
Description
Come take notes as you watch student created videos showing you how to use the check, call, care process in order to save someone's life.