MIDDLE SCHOOL
Field Academy
Field Academy is a time in which students and teachers are able to work intensively as a group and explore experiences together. Students may choose from a wide variety of on- and off-campus courses.
This year’s Middle School Field Academy courses include:
Italy
In this immersive ten-day course, students will delve into the symbiotic relationship between Italy's cultural heritage and its landscapes. Beginning in Ercolano, intertwined with the history of Mount Vesuvius, students will explore the city, hike the volcano's flanks, and reflect on the impact of past eruptions. Moving to the Dolomites, they'll traverse ancient paths steeped in pagan myths before reaching Matera, an ancient crusader town with the UNESCO Heritage Site. Along the way, they'll visit the Crypt of Original Sin, participate in vegetable harvesting for traditional Altamurano cooking, and learn environmental archaeology. Interactions with locals, including a shepherdess and a cheese-making session, add a personal touch. The journey concludes with a coastal hike in Parco Dune Costiere, embracing the sea's beauty before returning home from Rome.
California, Arizona, and Nevada
Architectural and Natural Wonders is an engaging Field Academy course that explores modern architecture and geological formations in California, Nevada, and Arizona. The itinerary includes visits to iconic sites such as Los Angeles, San Diego, Red Rock Canyon, Grand Canyon, Sedona, Antelope Canyon, and Phoenix. The course aims to cultivate an appreciation for both modern architecture and the natural beauty of the Western United States. Students will delve into the concepts and artistic elements of modern architects, with a focus on the organic and integral principles embraced by Frank Lloyd Wright, particularly in desert architecture. Additionally, the program delves into geology, unraveling the history behind the creation of canyons and other desert geological formations, fostering a deeper understanding of the students' immediate surroundings at the Ross School and beyond.
Circus Comes to Ross
In this dynamic course, students will receive hands-on instruction in circus arts from seasoned professionals. From mastering clown makeup and performing with humor to acquiring skills in juggling, tightrope walking, stilt walking, balloon twisting, hula hooping, unicycling, and the aerial arts, participants will explore a diverse range of talents. The course features guidance from The National Circus Project, Team Fun Circus, and professional clown rapper Ralf Jean-Pierre. The ultimate objective is for students to showcase their newfound skills in a performance or Carnival Day at the Lower School. This event will not only be a captivating spectacle but also a day of fun-filled games organized by the Upper School, complete with cotton candy and popcorn for the younger participants.
Fictional Firmament
In this Ross School Field Academy, students will delve into the art of crafting elaborate fantasy worlds inspired by the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and George R.R. Martin, along with exploring game theory by John Neumann and Oskar Morgenstern. Through a multidisciplinary approach encompassing literature, creative writing, game design, history, and anthropology, participants will learn worldbuilding techniques and best practices. The course involves creating original worlds while critically analyzing existing literary, cinematic, and gaming realms for insights into successful, meaningful, and ethical world-building. Final projects include designing a world portfolio, crafting a travel brochure marketing newly developed worlds, producing a vlog of a visit to a peer's world, and curating a museum exhibit about a predecessor society. It's an opportunity for students to bring their imaginative stories to life and shape their fictional worlds from scratch. The creative possibilities are boundless!
The Art of Design: Independent Inquiries
In Grade 6 at Ross School, students gain a sense of independence and discover passions that can shape the course of their lives.
The Art of Design: Independent Inquiriesis a two-week intensive project wherein each student selects a project about which they are genuinely enthusiastic and dedicates two weeks of uninterrupted work to it. As students delve into their chosen projects, they learn to manage their time effectively, set goals, and stay organized. Students are expected to plan and execute their projects with minimal external intervention, instilling a strong sense of personal responsibility and ownership of their work.
Passion Identification
Students begin by identifying their personal passions and interests, which they will explore during the project.
Preparation
In the days leading up to the project, students prepare materials and set up their individual workstations.
Self-Guided Work
During the afternoons, students work independently on their projects, applying their skills and creativity. As students work on their projects and experience the joy of creating something meaningful to them, they develop a sense of ownership, self-worth, and pride in their work and accomplishments.
Peer Collaboration
Students naturally engage in conversations with peers, sharing progress and ideas, creating a collaborative environment. This collaborative environment allows them to learn from others, offer and receive peer support, and broaden their horizons by gaining exposure to different areas of interest.
Reflection and Learning
Students reflect on their work, assess their progress, and learn from mistakes, promoting a growth mindset and an awareness of how they learn as individuals.
Scope Definition
Teachers and parents help students define a feasible scope of work for their projects, ensuring they can accomplish their goals in two weeks.
Wellness and Community Service
Project days include both wellness and community service activities that revolve around Math or Music.
Adaptability and Problem Solving
Throughout The Art of Design project, students face unexpected challenges and setbacks. These experiences teach them how to adapt, overcome obstacles, and problem-solve on their own.
Mentorship
Mentors, including teachers, faculty, and even parents, offer guidance and expertise when needed. Students learn the value of seeking guidance when facing challenges, an essential skill for lifelong learning.
Presentation
At the end of the two weeks, students present their completed projects to the school community.