January 13, 2023
If you have ever dreamed of a way to experience life at MPA in a day, the PreK-12 Preview is the perfect opportunity to discover why you belong here. You and your entire family are warmly invited to attend the MPA Preview on Sunday, January 22 at 2 PM.
This event will provide prospective families with an opportunity to truly discover the type of remarkable hands-on learning that MPA students do each day. You will rotate among several classes taught by our expert faculty. These will be interactive, experiential sessions that are actually abbreviated versions of real MPA lessons, modified to be appropriate for all ages.
LOWER SCHOOL SESSIONS
Ukulele Jam & Puppet Problem Solving
Two of our favorite PreK activities in one! Gather around to learn silly songs strummed on the ukulele while uncovering social-emotional problem-solving skills with puppet friends.
Kindergarten Math Pizzeria
The MPA Math Pizzeria is open for business! In this lesson, the group will read a pop-up book together, then will have a chance to make “pizzas” with math and physical shapes.
A Striking Good Time
Learn and play fun striking activities that will improve hand-eye coordination and reaction time while building confidence in a variety of physical education activities that can also be played at home.
What’s the Matter? Everything! (But nothing a genie can’t fix!)
In Lower School, students learn about the wonders of science through hands-on experiences and a little bit of magic. Can four basic rules really be at the heart of all the color-changing, balloon-inflating, and hand-warming fun? Or is it magic words that make things work? Join us to explore these questions. Children who participate will need to be comfortable wearing protective goggles.
Snowflake Printmaking
After a simple introduction to printmaking techniques for young artists, visitors will create a few prints of fun winter snowflakes to take home!
Makerspace Marble Roll
Ready, set, roll! This beloved fourth grade Makerspace activity requires teamwork, creativity, patience, and enthusiasm.
MIDDLE SCHOOL SESSIONS
Drawing Machines
Keith Braafladt Makerspace
A hands-on Makerspace experience! This group will be led to use a motor circuit to create a machine that draws custom marks, patterns, and designs.
“How To” Writing
“How To” writing is an art form! To successfully complete a task, the instructions need to be clearly and concisely written, each word thoughtfully chosen. Participants will give this a shot, dividing into two groups to write a set of simple instructions for their partners. Afterward, we’ll swap writings and see who’s successful!
An Intro To Middle School Band
Get a taste of what Middle School Band at MPA is like. Experience an overview of what opportunities we offer to our students, from weekly private lessons to full group rehearsals, culminating in performances. Middle School Band at MPA is a truly special place to be!
Marshmallow Catapults
In Middle School science, we study simple machines and do a lot with experimental design. Marshmallow catapults are a fun way to collect data and learn to graph in Excel. Using the different angles can be applied to sports, and when things don’t go as planned, it leads to a good discussion about control of variables and all of the possible things that can go wrong when experimenting.
Team Games
At MPA, collaboration is key. Team games, like the student-favorite Nitroball, help build community and focus on our mission and values.
Identity Circle
This session explores the identity circle exercise that our 5/6 and 7/8 affinity groups use to check in with and deepen their understanding of their own identities.
UPPER SCHOOL SESSIONS
The Power Of Yes
The Power of Yes is all about the hidden potential wrapped up within us. In theatre, we learn to say ‘yes’ to our ideas, our instincts, and our creativity. We also build connections with others by saying ‘yes’ to them and all they have to offer. The Power of Yes is a simple idea that opens up an infinite number of possibilities within and around us.
An Interdisciplinary Approach To American Studies
Students will be led through poems and images to explore the different identities of our nation. These will be the base for a discussion about how our nation has defined itself throughout history.
The Magic Of Soap
How do water and soap work, and how do they work together? This session is an exploration of how amphipathic molecules (soap) associate with water and how that is related to cell membranes.
Image Analysis
Looking at images in small groups, students will first look at just one section of a piece of historical artwork. Then, as a group, you will analyze, discuss, and make predictions for each of them and based on what is seen.
Spacial Relationships + Creative Problem-solving With Clay
Understanding spacial relationships by building forms in clay helps students learn to design in 3-dimensions, take risks, problem solve, and physically create forms that stem from the question of, “What if?” Join us in the studio for a joyful demonstration in the Visual Art department and learn why art is an essential element of all our students’ education.
Chemical Reactions Challenge
This lesson will require skillful observation–are you up for the challenge? You will see and experience how Upper School scientists participate in labs, mixing colorful chemicals and analyzing all of the different reactions that they make.
