Moonshot Summer Launch: Explorers, Artists and Scientists!
Saturday, May 18, 2019
Moonshot Summer Launch: Explorers, Artists and Scientists, gave Moonshot Academy (MSA) teachers a closer look at what they will be teaching this summer. The three curricula for Moonshot Academy this summer are:
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1st grade - Literacy Off the Page
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2nd Grade - Literacy in Motion
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3rd Grade - Literacy on the Lagoon
MSA Teachers attending the workshop became familiar with their grade specific unit plans and learned engaging strategies to bring the units to life.​ They also connected with community partners who are collaborating on MSA Summer programs.
Debbi Arseneaux, Moonshot Institute Program Manager, explains the goals and intentions for the day. Objectives for the day include highlighting the purpose and qualities of Moonshot Academy, learning the Performance Cycle, and digging into the unit plans for the upcoming Moonshot Academy session.
"I feel the whole school community is benefitting from Moonshot Institute. We are sharing and using the info at both Moonshot and in our classrooms." - Participant Feedback
Moonshot Mindful Routine & Building Community
Participants engaged in a Moonshot Mindful Routine, which included activities to Unite, Disengage Stress, Connect, and Commit. The Activity to Disengage Stress was to breathe as if you are a rocket blasting off. And with the Activity to Connect, they invented a 3 part hand shake and shared stories of memories about summer camp.
Program Managers Fran McDonough, Leslie Connelly, and Debbi Arseneaux gave an overview of their unit plans for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades. Unit plans are tailored to grade levels and connect to community partners including the Environmental Learning Center, Ocean Research Conservation Association, The Vero Beach Museum of Art and Ballet Vero Beach. All curricula are anchored in the Enriched Literacy framework which encompasses Social Emotional, Foundational, and Applied Literacy.
Breakout Sessions
Following the morning kick-off, participants split into 3 groups based on grade levels and unit plans. In each session they learned interactive, multi-sensory strategies to engage students and bring the units to life.
1st grade - Literacy Off the Page with Ballet Vero Beach
2nd grade - Literacy in Motion with the Vero Beach Museum of Art
3rd grade - Literacy on the Lagoon with ORCA
Community Partners
Shanti Sanchez from the Vero Beach Museum of Art presented on visual literacy and the importance of informal education. She will lead students in experiences at the museum in the summer "Astronomy Photographer of the Year" exhibition.
Missy Weiss from ORCA presented on the work being done to solve the problems with the Indian River Lagoon. She will bring hands on learning about the lagoon to students in Moonshot Academy.
Ballet Vero Beach dance teaching artist Elena Carter will bring stories to life through movement.
