MA Open House Course Catalog 2022

SESSION A

PROGRAM OVERVIEWS (2:00-2:30 PM)

The Academic Program and Life after Marin Academy

Join our Academic Dean to learn about Marin Academy’s approach to high school education and how we’re preparing students for success after graduation.

She will spend 15–20 minutes sharing aspects of the program and curriculum, reserving the last 10–15 minutes for questions. The Director of College Counseling will also be present for any questions.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at MA

Connect with our Dean of Equity & Inclusion to learn about both our Identity & Equity (IDEQ) Groups and about our Ethnic Studies course for 9th graders and the important role that this work plays in Marin Academy life. The session will include an overview of the IDEQ program and of the Ethnic Studies course, and there will likely be student leaders of IDEQ groups present to share their experiences and answer questions.

Beyond the Boundaries: The Transdisciplinary Leadership Program

What is Transdisciplinary Education? What does it mean to be a leader, and how can one practice those skills in the classroom every day? How can classes get beyond the boundaries of campus and provide students an opportunity to do meaningful work in the real world? Join us for an overview of Marin Academy’s Transdisciplinary Leadership Program and learn about the philosophy and design of the two TLP courses currently offered: Climate Science to Action and Future Cities: Civic Tech, Data Science, and Design. The highlight of the session will be a panel of students from the courses, who will be happy to answer your questions and share their experience of this unique and groundbreaking program.

Meet the Head of School

Head of School, Travis Brownley, and Director of Strategic Engagement, Trent Nutting, will be on hand to discuss Marin Academy’s strategic direction.

Marin Academy Research Collaborative (MARC)

Join MARC faculty and students to learn how this cutting-edge science and engineering program allows our students to engage with novel scientific research.

Meet the Parents

Join members of our Marin Academy Parents Association (MAPA) to chat about what it is like to be an MA parent.

SESSION A

MINI-LESSONS (2:00-2:30 PM)

Wartime Propaganda

To what degree does propaganda affect us? Learn about the role propaganda can play in shaping the attitudes of citizens during times of crisis in a collaborative lesson. A brief overview of the History Department's philosophy and offerings will conclude this session.

2 2022 OPEN HOUSE COURSE CATALOG

Gilded Age Excess

Are we living in a Second Gilded Age? Let's explore this idea together while examining the extravagance and inequality of the late nineteenth century in the United States. A brief overview of the History Department's philosophy and offerings will conclude this session. Please bring something to draw on and with!

Moving Molecules

Explore the phenomena of molecular movement by electrophoresis. Students will have the opportunity to practice using micropipettes in the process of separating molecules by charge and size.

Explore a Physical Science Phenomenon!

Please join us as we investigate an everyday chemical reaction that leads to some unexpected outcomes! Participants will engage in a problem-solving process by sharing observations, questions, and ideas to devise a model.

Microfiction

We exist in a competitive economy of attention. People value efficient communication. How can we create big impacts with just a few words? Come ready to write and share multiple micro stories and pack a punch into the smallest number of words possible.

Personal Narrative

How can you begin to identify and develop a topic for a personal narrative?

Come ready to write on prompts that will jumpstart the creative process of shaping a piece of creative nonfiction. This writing workshop will o fer us the opportunity to brainstorm, write, listen and share with each other what we discover and create.

Image & Word: Exploring the Graphic Narrative

We will explore the various relationships between verbal and visual meaning by looking at excerpts from graphic novels. We will consider how authors communicate their themes through both images and text, and we will practice key visual literacy skills. Finally, we will ask ourselves what should (or should not) be included in a literature course.

Mathematical Palindromes

Join math faculty to explore mathematical palindromes. While words like “civic,” “kayak,” or “race car” that are spelled the same forward and backward may come to mind first, in this session we will play with palindrome numbers, determining how far a number like 37 is from being a palindrome. We’ll work individually and collaboratively to make observations and hopefully generalize a pattern for future investigation. Please come to the session with some paper and a writing utensil so you can play along! At the end of our session, we will share some information about the math program at MA.

Improv-arama

Join us for fun theater games, create a 30-second play, and learn about our theater program. No experience necessary!

3 2022 OPEN HOUSE COURSE CATALOG

Sugar Shack Problem

Join math faculty to explore the “Sugar Shack Problem”, a creative problem involving weighing out different amounts given specific tools and constraints. So often in math, we are asked to solve a problem in a specific way. In this session, we will tackle many different challenges related to the scenario, see how many different approaches we can come up with, and through collaboration and communication we will learn from each other. Please come to the session with some paper and a writing utensil so you can play along! At the end of our session, we will share some information about the math program at MA.

Multi-art experience: Contour Drawing and Analog Photography

Experience two disciplines for the price of one! We will split into two groups.

One group will learn how to draw everyday objects through a series of observational drawing exercises using lines to create dimension while another group will learn the ins and outs of the dark room as they explore analog photography by creating photograms. Then the groups will switch so they experience both disciplines.

Parlez-vous Français?

Learn how to count in French through interactive games. Cultural discussion of “Faux-pas” when invited to a dinner in France (following a short video). The class will be conducted entirely in French (beginner level - no knowledge of French needed to participate).

Design Lab Workshop

Join members of MA’s design community to engage in an open, collaborative, and human-centered creative project and learn a bit more about design programming at MA.

SESSION B

PROGRAM OVERVIEWS (2:35-3:05 PM)

The Academic Program and Life After Marin Academy

Join our Academic Dean to learn about Marin Academy’s approach to high school education and how we’re preparing students for success after graduation.

She will spend 15–20 minutes sharing aspects of the program and curriculum, reserving the last 10–15 minutes for questions. The Director of College Counseling will also be present for any questions.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at MA

Connect with our Dean of Equity & Inclusion to learn about both our Identity & Equity (IDEQ) Groups and about our Ethnic Studies course for 9th graders and the important role that this work plays in Marin Academy life. The session will include an overview of the IDEQ program and of the Ethnic Studies course, and there will likely be student leader of IDEQ groups present to share their experiences and answer questions.

Beyond the Boundaries: The Transdisciplinary Leadership Program

What is Transdisciplinary Education? What does it mean to be a leader, and how can one practice those skills in the classroom every day? How can classes get beyond the boundaries of campus and provide students an opportunity to do meaningful work in the real world? Join us for an overview of Marin Academy’s Transdisciplinary Leadership Program and learn about the philosophy and design of the Future Cities: Civic Tech and Data Science course. The highlight of the session will be a panel of students from the course, who will be happy to answer your questions and share their experience of this unique and groundbreaking program.

4 2022 OPEN HOUSE COURSE CATALOG

Student Life

Join our Dean of Students and MA students to learn about student life at Marin Academy. This session will begin with a short overview of the Dean and Advising structure and will then give attendees a chance to ask questions.

Meet the Head of School

Head of School, Travis Brownley, and Director of Strategic Engagement, Trent Nutting, will be on hand to discuss Marin Academy’s strategic direction.

Marin Academy Research Collaborative (MARC)

Join MARC faculty and students to learn how this cutting-edge science and engineering program allows our students to engage with novel scientific research.

Meet the Parents

Join members of our Marin Academy Parents Association (MAPA) to chat about what it is like to be an MA parent.

Outings & Minicourse

Join our Outings Director to learn about the role outdoor, experiential education plays in the lives of all of our students. This session will begin with a brief overview of the Outings & Minicourse Programs and will offer attendees time to ask questions.

SESSION B

MINI-LESSONS (2:35-3:05 PM)

Wartime Propaganda

To what degree does propaganda affect us? Learn about the role propaganda can play in shaping the attitudes of citizens during times of crisis in a collaborative lesson. A brief overview of the History Department's philosophy and offerings will conclude this session.

Gilded Age Excess

Are we living in a Second Gilded Age? Let's explore this idea together while examining the extravagance and inequality of the late nineteenth century in the United States. A brief overview of the History Department's philosophy and offerings will conclude this session. Please bring something to draw on and with!

Moving Molecules

Please join us as we investigate an everyday chemical reaction that leads to some unexpected outcomes! Participants will engage in a problem-solving process by sharing observations, questions, and ideas to devise a model.

Explore a Physical Science Phenomenon!

Please join us as we investigate an everyday chemical reaction in a new setting using a collaborative online framework. Participants will engage in a problemsolving process by sharing observations, questions, and ideas to devise a model.

5 2022 OPEN HOUSE COURSE CATALOG

Experimenting with Extended Metaphor

In this session, we will embody MA’s mission statement by thinking, questioning, and creating... poetry. We will read and discuss the poem “Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes, focusing specifically on the author s use of metaphor. Then, students will be asked to create an extended metaphor of their own, describing their school year thus far. Be prepared to think both analytically and creatively as we experiment with the power of figurative language

Personal Narrative

How can you begin to identify and develop a topic for a personal narrative?

Come ready to write on prompts that will jumpstart the creative process of shaping a piece of creative nonfiction. This writing workshop will offer us the opportunity to brainstorm, write, listen and share with each other what we discover and create.

Microfiction

We exist in a competitive economy of attention. People value efficient communication. How can we create big impacts with just a few words? Come ready to write and share multiple micro stories and pack a punch into the smallest number of words possible.

Mathematical Palindromes

Join math faculty to explore mathematical palindromes. While words like “civic,” “kayak,” or “race car” that are spelled the same forward and backward may come to mind first, in this session we will play with palindrome numbers, determining how far a number like 37 is from being a palindrome. We’ll work individually and collaboratively to make observations and hopefully generalize a pattern for future investigation. Please come to the session with some paper and a writing utensil so you can play along! At the end of our session, we will share some information about the math program at MA.

Sugar Shack Problem

Join math faculty to explore the “Sugar Shack Problem”, a creative problem involving weighing out different amounts given specific tools and constraints. So often in math, we are asked to solve a problem in a specific way. In this session, we will tackle many different challenges related to the scenario, see how many different approaches we can come up with, and through collaboration and communication we will learn from each other. Please come to the session with some paper and a writing utensil so you can play along! At the end of our session, we will share some information about the math program at MA.

Design Lab Workshop

Join members of MA’s design community to engage in an open, collaborative, and human-centered creative project and learn a bit more about design programming at MA.

NiHao! Greetings and Fun Games

Join us and learn basic greetings in Chinese! In 30 minutes, you will exchange greetings with fellow visitors. You will play games and experience our fun and interactive class. Students will have a hands-on writing exercise where your mastery is guaranteed! This is a novice level class. No prior experience or knowledge of Chinese is required.

6 2022 OPEN HOUSE COURSE CATALOG

Multi-art experience: Contour Drawing and Analog Photography

Experience two disciplines for the price of one! We will split into two groups.

One group will learn how to draw everyday objects through a series of observational drawing exercises using lines to create dimension while another group will learn the ins and outs of the dark room as they explore analog photography by creating photograms. Then the groups will switch so they experience both disciplines.

Taiko Drumming

Join us for a fun introduction to this dynamic form that combines percussion and movement. A great stress reliever! No experience necessary!

SESSION C

PROGRAM OVERVIEWS (3:10-3:40 PM)

The Academic Program and Life After Marin Academy

Join our Academic Dean to learn about Marin Academy’s approach to high school education and how we’re preparing students for success after graduation.

She will spend 15–20 minutes sharing aspects of the program and curriculum, reserving the last 10–15 minutes for questions. The Director of College Counseling will also be present for any questions.

Student Life

Join our Dean of Students and MA students to learn about student life at Marin Academy. This session will begin with a short overview of the Dean and Advising structure and will then give attendees a chance to ask questions.

Beyond the Boundaries: The Transdisciplinary Leadership Program

What is Transdisciplinary Education? What does it mean to be a leader, and how can one practice those skills in the classroom every day? How can classes get beyond the boundaries of campus and provide students an opportunity to do meaningful work in the real world? Join us for an overview of Marin Academy’s Transdisciplinary Leadership Program and learn about the philosophy and design of the Future Cities: Civic Tech and Data Science course. The highlight of the session will be a panel of students from the course, who will be happy to answer your questions and share their experience of this unique and groundbreaking program.

Marin Academy Research Collaborative (MARC)

Join MARC faculty and students to learn how this cutting-edge science and engineering program allows our students to engage with novel scientific research.

Outings & Minicourse

Join our Outings Director and Marin Academy students to learn about the role outdoor, experiential education plays in the lives of all of our students. This session will begin with a brief overview of the Outings & Minicourse Programs and will offer attendees time to ask questions.

Human Development (Hum Join us to hear from a panel of junior and senior students who serve as Teaching Assistants in our Human Development Department. In the required course Dev) at MA for 9th and 10th graders, students develop decision-making skills, explore social-emotional health and well-being, and engage in conversations about identity and values. In this session, the Hum Dev teacher will provide a curricular overview, and the TAs will share examples of class activities.

7 2022 OPEN HOUSE COURSE CATALOG

Affording MA

SESSION C

Connect with Tuition Assistance Coordinator, Leslie Rojas, and MA students to learn more about the Tuition Assistance program at MA, what is included in families’ benefits package, and get your questions answered.

MINI LESSONS (3:10-3:40 PM)

Wartime Propaganda

To what degree does propaganda affect us? Learn about the role propaganda can play in shaping the attitudes of citizens during times of crisis in a collaborative lesson. A brief overview of the History Department's philosophy and offerings will conclude this session.

Moving Molecules

Explore the phenomena of molecular movement by electrophoresis. Students will have the opportunity to practice using micropipettes in the process of separating molecules by charge and size.

Gilded Age Excess

Are we living in a Second Gilded Age? Let's explore this idea together while examining the extravagance and inequality of the late nineteenth century in the United States. A brief overview of the History Department's philosophy and offerings will conclude this session. Please bring something to draw on and with!

Explore a Physical Science Phenomenon!

Please join us as we investigate an everyday chemical reaction that leads to some unexpected outcomes! Participants will engage in a problem-solving process by sharing observations, questions, and ideas to devise a model.

Experimenting with Extended Metaphor

In this session, we will embody MA’s mission statement by thinking, questioning, and creating...poetry. We will read and discuss the poem “Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes, focusing specifically on the author s use of metaphor. Then, students will be asked to create an extended metaphor of their own, describing their school year thus far. Be prepared to think both analytically and creatively as we experiment with the power of figurative language.

Image & Word: Exploring the Graphic Narrative

We will explore the various relationships between verbal and visual meaning by looking at excerpts from graphic novels. We will consider how authors communicate their themes through both images and text, and we will practice key visual literacy skills. Finally, we will ask ourselves what should (or should not) be included in a literature course.

Mathematical Palindromes

Join math faculty to explore mathematical palindromes. While words like “civic,” “kayak,” or “race car” that are spelled the same forward and backward may come to mind first, in this session we will play with palindrome numbers, determining how far a number like 37 is from being a palindrome.

We’ll work individually and collaboratively to make observations and hopefully generalize a pattern for future investigation. Please come to the session with some paper and a writing utensil so you can play along! At the end of our session, we will share some information about the math program at MA.

8 2022 OPEN HOUSE COURSE CATALOG

Sugar Shack Problem

Join math faculty to explore the “Sugar Shack Problem”, a creative problem involving weighing out different amounts given specific tools and constraints. So often in math, we are asked to solve a problem in a specific way. In this session, we will tackle many different challenges related to the scenario, see how many different approaches we can come up with, and through collaboration and communication we will learn from each other. Please come to the session with some paper and a writing utensil so you can play along! At the end of our session, we will share some information about the math program at MA.

Conversemos en Español

If you’re familiar with Spanish and want to take the next step of having meaningful conversations in Spanish, join us! We’ll have a “tertulia” and chat about our favorite pastimes! The class will be conducted in Spanish (all levels welcome).

Multi-art experience: Contour Drawing and Analog Photography

Experience two disciplines for the price of one! We will split into two groups. One group will learn how to draw everyday objects through a series of observational drawing exercises using lines to create dimension while another group will learn the ins and outs of the dark room as they explore analog photography by creating photograms. Then the groups will switch so they experience both disciplines.

Name That Tune! Ear Training for Better Musicianship

Join us for a fun game that will test your ability to name that tune, help you to understand the fundamentals of music, and strengthen your overall musicianship. No musical background necessary!

Design Lab Workshop

Join members of MA’s design community to engage in an open, collaborative, and human-centered creative project and learn a bit more about design programming at MA.

9 2022 OPEN HOUSE COURSE CATALOG