J-Term 2016

Bicycle Touring

This class met one week in January and will go on a four-day, three night self-contained bike trip in June (1-4). The class in January include time for worship, reflection, and research, as well as planning the bicycle tour (meal and camping logistics), bicycle maintenance/safety, and training for cyclists of all ability levels. During the week in January, students served at Chain Reaction Bicycle Project, researched cycling culture in different countries, and reflected on how the life of faith intersects with riding a bike and camping out. In response to questions about how cycling is impacted by different Bible verses on care for the environment, students noted the following:

• • "I think riding a bicycle fits in very well because it is one of the few vehicles that does not need a limited and quickly draining natural resource to run on. A bicycle also has only the emissions from creating it and from the person riding it. Quite a lot less than a sam's club freezer truck." -- Alex Cartwright
  • "I some times think that it's a pain to have to ride my bike to places where I want to go like the rec center but if I think about all of the less privalidged around the world and that there are boys and girls who have to walk miles just to get water than I feel like I should have to ride my bike more." -- Cedric Brenneman
  • "Riding a bike also helps you to be thankful for creation.  When you ride a bicycle you are caring for the earth and helping to protect God's creation." -- Carissa Mast

Civil Rights and Service

Students studied the history of the Civil Rights movement and explored current civil rights topics during the first week. During the second week they volunteered with Mennonite Disaster Service in Texas, helping rebuild homes destroyed in a wildfire.

History and Design Technology

Students studied and observed design processes and engineering behind the creation of Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. A three-day learning experience in the parks at WDW included a full-day educational course taught by WDW engineers and educators. Students also studied the life of Walt Disney, and the history, creation, development and innovations of The Magic Kingdom and EPCOT (experimental prototype community of tomorrow).

 

 

Koinonia Farm

Students studies and visited Koinonia Farm, an intentional Christian community founded in 1942 by Clarence and Florence Jordan. The community seeks to embody peacemaking, sustainability, and radical sharing. While honoring all people of all backgrounds and faith, they strive to demonstrate the way of Jesus as an alternative to materialism, militarism, and racism. Koinonia vision: "Love through service to others, Joy through generous hospitality, Peace through reconciliation.

 

 

Geography and History of Baseball

Geography and History of Baseball challenged students to understand America's oldest major sport. Projects included creatubg a model franchise, including designing a stadium and uniforms, and developing an advertising campaign for a product featuring a play from the All-Professional Girls American Baseball League. Students watch several baseball movies, including Ken Burns' miniseries exploring baseball history. The class includes a 2-day trip to two major league baseball games on June 1-2.

 

 

Ukulele Choir

Students learned to play a ukulele and also built a homemade stringed instrument.