March 24, 2016
Middle Schoolers: Experience Andover this summer
Computer science and art? Rising eighth graders may apply now to exciting summer courseby Jenny Corke
Twelve middle-schoolers will have the chance to experience a new hybrid course this summer that combines seemingly discrete disciplines and requires students to look at problems from unique angles. Taught by Tang Institute Visiting Scholar in Connected Learning David Rea as part of PA’s Summer Session Seeing in Patterns, Thinking in Code is Andover’s first summer course designed specifically in a hybrid format. Featuring unique and innovative learning methods, it will blend in-person and online learning and combine elements of art, biology, music, history, and even cooking to help students solve problems and use elementary programming as a tool for inquiry and expression. Rea will hold a Lunch & Discussion on Wednesday, April 13, 1 p.m., Pearson C. All are welcome to attend!
APPLY NOW: SEEING IN PATTERNS, THINKING IN CODE
This new five-week program for rising 8th grade students is offered in two parts. The first part takes place on the Phillips Academy campus for two weeks, June 27–July 9. The second part is completed online (at home) July 10–31, with students working both independently and collaboratively with peers and instructors. Students are encouraged to apply to this program at http://www.andover.edu/seeinginpatterns. Apply now: Space is limited!
Seeing in Patterns, Thinking in Code provides an exciting opportunity for academically qualified students to look at problems from a fresh new angle. Students will be encouraged to think like artists, engineers, and entrepreneurs. The only prerequisites are enthusiasm for invention and a willingness to learn from mistakes.
The five-week program brings students to the Phillips Academy campus as boarding students for the first two weeks, where they will utilize the school’s excellent facilities and resources, including the Addison Gallery of American Art, to think about coding in both complex and simple ways. During the final three weeks, students will collaborate with peers and instructors online as they tackle an array of challenges and complete the program at home.
Rea says the term “hybrid” is used loosely to mean pedagogy that involves traditional in-class learning along with other types of learning such as an online component or a flipped classroom environment, where students do homework ahead of time and spend class time in discussion or on a project. He is also planning to involve alumni by providing both content expertise and inspiration. Alumni would create short video clips introducing themselves to students, explaining what they do, and challenging students to use the skills learned in class to think creatively about a specific problem.
For information on how a rising eight grader may apply, visit the Summer School application page.