Voyager Academy High School Project Exhibition Day, March 31, 2025
4302 Ben Franklin Blvd.
Durham, NC 27704
Home of the Vikings
WELCOME!
(click here for a printable version)
We are happy that you came. Together we celebrate Project Based Learning at Voyager Academy High School.
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?
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How Do I Invest like a Teenager?
Rm: A148
Economics & Personal Finance (EPF) , Baker Dennis
Driving Question(s)
How Do I Become Wealthy?
Description
The students have all created their own Investment Portfolios, and some have even gone a little farther and analyzed their portfolios in terms of what has earned them the most, lost them the most, etc. Come by and ask them how their investments are doing, and maybe you too can invest like a teenager :)
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Capturing Our School's Story
Rm: A149
YEARBOOK, Todd Anna
Driving Question(s)
How can we create a yearbook that truly reflects the diversity, achievements, and spirit of our school community?
Description
Come for a sneak peek at pages from the 2025 yearbook and make sure to order your copy!
The yearbook is a commemorative publication that captures and preserves the memories, achievements, and spirit of the school year. Students engage in various roles including writing, photography, graphic design, and editorial decision-making. The course emphasizes real-world applications of journalism and publishing, encouraging collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. Students research, plan, and execute the yearbook, capturing the diverse stories, achievements, and spirit of the school community.
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The Great American Novel Hunt
Rm: A150
English 3, Ross Andre
Driving Question(s)
What does it mean to be a "Great American Novel"
Description
Students search for the next great American novel. Students have read a book of their choosing that they believe should be apart of the American Literary Canon. Students had to use both analysis skills and also some self reflection to complete this project. Ask them about their book they read. All students are prepared to give a 1-2 minute pitch to declare their book the next great American novel.
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Feedback Wanted!!
Rm: A151
English II, Honors English II, Greaves Evan
Driving Question(s)
What do I want to write about?
Description
Come help us make our projects better! Students have written proposals for their writing projects. We would like you to help us by giving us feedback on our ideas and projects, so let us know what you think and leave a comment on our work!
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Modern Pilgrim
Rm: A152
English IV Honors, Scott Amy
Driving Question(s)
Who's on their way to Canterbury in 2025?
Description
Students read and analyzed Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, learning about the society and culture of 14th-century England. Then they worked in groups to invent modern pilgrims, stereotypes of members of American society in 2025.
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Olympian 4 Prez
Rm: A152
Mythology, Scott Amy
Driving Question(s)
Which contemporary issues would the Olympian gods campaign on in contemporary America?
Description
Students researched an Olympian god of their choice then wrote a stump speech addressing why they were the best candidate for POTUS. They also created yard signs for their campaigns (visible in the hallway). P.S. Hera won the election!
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Sponsored Politics: Unveiling the Influence of Money in Elections
Rm: B118
AP Government and Politics, Gatlin Steven
Driving Question(s)
If politicians were required to publicly display their top donors like NASCAR drivers, how would this impact voter perception and political accountability?
Description
Students will investigate the role of money in politics by researching campaign contributions to their elected representatives. They will analyze donor influence and create a visual representation of their congressperson wearing "sponsorship" logos or names of their top donors. Come see our mannequin representations of top NC elected officals in their "NASCAR" racing suits.
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Calculus Cakes, Purple Bunnies, and Duck Races
Rm: B119
AP Calculus AB, Boyer Ken
Driving Question(s)
How Do I Calculate the Volume of 3D Solids? How Do I Analyze Animated Video and Graphs to Draw Conclusions about Velocity and Acceleration?
Description
Students will create 3D Solids and do real time analysis of velocity and acceleration.
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Desmos Art Project
Rm: B130
Math 3, Gloade Christian
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!
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Quadratic Project - Can you graph it?
Rm: B133
Math 2 Honors, Higdon Tricia
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 or still 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.
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Turning the Tide: Community Engagement and Impact Assessment on Oceanic Plastic Pollution
Rm: C112
Oceanography, Batty Joy
Driving Question(s)
How can we as Oceanographers spread awareness about plastic in the ocean?
Description
This project focuses on understanding and reducing plastic pollution in marine environments by engaging with the community to gather insights on plastic usage and its impact. The primary objective is to explore the various types of plastics—from PET bottles to HDPE containers—that degrade into harmful microplastics, assessing their lifespan, degradation processes, and interactions with marine life. By researching specific examples of environmental interactions and the ecological implications of microplastics, the project aims to educate and involve the community through a well-designed Google Form survey. The survey results will shed light on local behaviors and attitudes toward plastic usage, providing essential data for targeted awareness campaigns.
In the final phase, the gathered information will be synthesized into an educational and compelling awareness poster. This poster will not only display research findings and survey insights but also encourage community action through practical suggestions for reducing plastic footprint. The goal is to create a powerful narrative that increases awareness, promotes behavioral change, and contributes to the mitigation of plastic pollution in marine ecosystems.
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Powering the Future: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Alternative Energy in North Carolina
Rm: C112
Earth and Environmental , Batty Joy
Driving Question(s)
How can we as Environmental Engineers build a green Durham?
Description
This project delves into the potential of alternative energy technologies across North Carolina, exploring the benefits, costs, and environmental impacts associated with diverse energy sources like solar, wind, biofuels, nuclear fusion, fuel cells, wave power, and geothermal energy. The project evaluates which alternative energy options are best suited for different regions within the state, considering geographic, economic, and environmental factors. Furthermore, it contrasts traditional energy extraction methods—harvesting (peat and wood), mining (coal and uranium/plutonium), and drilling (oil and natural gas)—to highlight their environmental footprints. By providing a critical analysis of each technology and method, this project aims to inform policymakers, stakeholders, and the community about the most sustainable and efficient energy choices for North Carolina's future.
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What an Eggs-periment!
Rm: C113
Physical Science, Fortkort Lori
Driving Question(s)
How do eggshells protect the developing chicks?
Description
With the recent bird flu epidemic wiping out a significant number of chickens, this project has become more important than ever. So many chickens had to be destroyed in order to keep the bird flu from spreading to other chickens and to humans. The cost of eggs has skyrocketed and now students are able to help our community by hatching healthy chickens. The hope is that most of these will be hens because they will provide eggs for people to eat. Rooster are also in demand to replace those that were lost recently. In addition to learning about the hatching process, students will learn more about the strength and chemistry of the eggshells. Chemical reactions with calcium carbonate, the main ingredient in eggshells, will also be conducted.
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The Soundtrack of Our Lives
Rm: C114
Music Appreciation, Gates Chance
Driving Question(s)
How has music been part of my story and how can it connect me to others?
Description
Students will explore the significance of music in their lives and its influence on others by creating a project that showcases their personal musical story, integrates community and/or broad cultural context, and draws connections between individual and shared musical experiences.
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Using CRIPSR-Cas9 to Cure a Disease
Rm: C115
Honors Biology, Punt Amelia
Driving Question(s)
Should humans be able to alter the genetic blueprint of life, DNA, in regard to human genetic diseases?
Description
This project will be completed in three parts. This gene-editing project will introduce students to a genetic disease, CRISPR-Cas9, and gene editing bioethics. Students will first research CRISPR and gene editing by provided sources. Then, as partners, they will select and research a disorder or disease that could be cured by using CRISPR technology. Lastly, students will reflect and discuss the ethics of using CRISPR and other gene editing tools to treat the disease or disorder. Students will also hear from a scientist assigned by "Skype a Scientist" who is a researcher at Oak Ridge National Laboratory specializing in genetics and CRISPR technology.
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Why Volunteer?
Rm: C116
ECS, Harris Stacy
Driving Question(s)
What does it mean to volunteer in the community?
Description
Went to the food bank and volunteered
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Wanted: Invasive Species
Rm: C116
Honors Biology, Lilly Dee
Driving Question(s)
How do invasive species impact the US economy and cause destruction? #Nightmare Date
Description
Invasive species are species that are brought (either intentionally or unintentionally) to a new place. They have no natural predators so they are able to out outcompete native populations thus decreasing their populations. In north Carolina we have several invasive species- the spotted lanternfly, Kudzu, emerald ash-borers, and lionfish. For this project students created a nightmare dating profile for the invasive species they chose to learn more about how invasive species have impacted our country.
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Whodunnit? An adventure in Forensics
Rm: C116
Forensic Science, Lilly Dee
Driving Question(s)
How can evidence from a crime scene be used to solve a case?
Description
Forensic science teaches students about proper crime scene, lab, and evidence collection and processing. For this project students were allowed to create their own scenario and also apply what they have learned in the course to show how the evidence would be used to help solve their case. Students were given a list of topics and allowed to choose at least 3 in order to demonstrate their knowledge,
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American History Website
Rm: D121
American History, Tardieu Christian
Driving Question(s)
How can I make an informative website featuring American History?
Description
Students have been assigned a time period in American History starting with Early Native American Civilization through the American Civil War and were tasked with creating an intuitive, easy-to-use website that is both informative and engaging. The idea of the website is to not only establish mastery of the content, but also to develop computer literacy through website design.
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Messages in Art Messy Middle
Rm: D122
Honors World History, Morris Lauren
Driving Question(s)
How is art used to share messages?
Description
Students are creating a photo collage and descriptions of art used by an Absolute Monarch, art used by a non-Monarch from this time period (1750-1914), and themselves! For project exhibition night, students are displaying their rough drafts and are asking members of the public to give constructive feedback to make their final drafts spectacular.
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Vision Your Future
Rm: D123
Career Management & Marketing, Patterson Altrenna
Driving Question(s)
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Description
A display of steps taken and desires acquired when you have arrived at your goal in life.
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Libros Infantiles: Spanish Language Children's Books
Rm: D126
Spanish 1, Vicens Nuria
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.
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No More Stick Figures: Learn to Draw in Less than 15 Minutes.
Rm: E124
Art 1, 2, 4, AP, LaVette Kelly
Driving Question(s)
Can someone really improve their drawing skills in less than 15 minutes??
Description
Have you always wanted to draw but feel like you can barely draw a stick figure? What most people don't understand is that drawing is a learnable skill that we are confident you can learn! The first and most important step is simple: learn how to see. Once you are seeing like an artist, you can learn and practice specific drawing techniques, tips, and tricks that will significantly improve the way you draw. So, say goodbye to your stick figure friends and let Voyager art students teach you all the ways they have learned to see and draw like an artist.
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States Road Trip Project
Rm: E135
US History Honors, Hambrick Sarah
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. In addition, students choose one other option: visiting their state, interviewing someone from their state, creating a food dish from their state, or dressing in fashion from their state. These elements all promote how they, as the representative travel agent, would convince others to visit and enjoy what this state has to offer.
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Telling Migrant Stories
Rm: E135
AP Human Geography, Hambrick Sarah
Driving Question(s)
As a human geographer, how would you most effectively articulate the experiences of migrants in pursuit of traveling to a new location?
Description
Students, working in groups of 2-3, will choose 1 of 4 options: create a video, write a journal series, write a newspaper article, or make a comic book to encapsulate the journey of struggle for a fictitious migrant based on their research and understanding from class study.
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Local Business Promotional Video
Rm: E140
Media Studies, Patterson Darryl
Driving Question(s)
How can we use multimedia storytelling to help local businesses reach a broader audience and enhance their brand identity?
Description
Students will partner with local small businesses to create engaging promotional videos or social media content. Through interviews with business owners, product showcases, and strategic marketing approaches, students will craft compelling digital content tailored to each business's needs.
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Who am I? / Quien soy yo
Rm: E141
Spanish 2, Price Deja
Driving Question(s)
How do we use the target language to talk about our childhood?
Description
The Spanish 2 students have written short compositions about their childhood focusing on the 5 W's. Who, what, when, where, and why. Students have included both an English and Spanish version of their story to read. After reading a few stories, use the baby photos to see if you can guess whose paper you are reading. Feel free to move the photos around and pin them on the correct person. The correct photos will be revealed towards the end of the event.
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The 3 S's- Stress, Self Defense and Safety
Rm: GYM
Health/Physical Education, Kehoe Alexandra
Driving Question(s)
Stress- How can I create an informative, personal and fun video reminding myself, and others, of positive coping strategies one can use to prevent and reduce stress?
Self Defense- What are some self defense tactics used to protect one's self in a potentially dangerous or harmful situation?
Safety- What is the check, call, care process when someone goes unconscious and is unresponsive?
Description
Students created 3 different video projects.
Stress- students had to create a video explaining what stress is, how it effects the body, the importance of using coping strategies and various coping strategies they like to use to deal with stress.
Self Defense- I had 2 self defense instructors come in from Gracie Jiu Jitsu to teach various self defense tactics to my students. They then had to choose 2 tactics to explain and demonstrate in a video, along with explaining the importance of knowing self defense tactics.
Safety- I had our school nurse, Mrs. Skoff, provide a C.P.R. awareness class. Students then had to create a video utilizing the skills they learned (check, call, care process) to respond to an unresponsive person.
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Improve your Athletic Performance!
Rm: GYM
Strength Training I/II, Kehoe Alexandra
Driving Question(s)
In order to increase physical/athletic performance, one must develop their skill related fitness components. Therefore, what are some exercises one can utilize to improve these skill related fitness components?
Description
Students choose one of the skill related fitness components (i.e. power, speed, reaction time, balance, coordination and agility) and create a video demonstrating various exercises to improve it, provide an explanation of how to do each exercise, provide the allotted amount of sets/repetitions and/or rounds/time intervals for each exercise, explain how each exercise improves said component and define the component.
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SOS! Bull City Lights and Sound Perform at The Powhatan Diamond Classic
Rm: Lobby
Bull City Lights and Sound, Gates & Puhala Chance & Max
Driving Question(s)
How do I prepare for and perform in a choir/band competition?
Description
Bull City Lights is thrilled to be competing in their 10th season! Under the direction of Chance Gates, with musical accompaniment by Bull City Sound, led by Max Puhala, and choreography by Stevie Mack Furlong.
Step into the story of a doctor pushed to her limits. Experience her journey as she navigates the challenges of work, friendship, and the emotional toll of life. Will she trade in her scrubs for a less stressful path, or will she find renewed hope and understanding?
And now…paging all show choir fans—this performance is just what the doctor ordered! Bull City Lights is proud to present S.O.S.—a show guaranteed to get your heart racing!
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