YouthQuest Highlights: November 2017

AN EARLY THANKSGIVING

Just before Thanksgiving, elementary students from Holmes, Brownell, Eisenhower, Durant-Tuuri-Mott, Randels, and Freeman teamed up for a holiday dinner. The event gave students a chance to meet youth from outside their schools while they participated in Thanksgiving-related activities organized by YouthQuest students from Southwestern Classical Academy. The youth discussed what they were thankful for as they shared a traditional meal with friends, new and old.

FARMERS’ MARKET FUN

After learning about the business concepts of goods, services, and supply and demand, students at Freeman Elementary drafted business plans for their very own farmers’ market. They envisioned the market would include a nail salon, popcorn stand, smoothie palace, Christmas ornament shop and chocolate shop. During an “open house” in late November, students showcased displays of the proposed shops, posters detailing their business plans and samples of some of the goods that would be provided.

ELECTION SEASON

Last month, the Youth Advisory Council at Durant-Tuuri-Mott Elementary focused on the subject of democracy and the process of drafting laws. Students were introduced to the different council positions, and have been learning how to campaign for the upcoming student election. Voting will be held in the near future.

BRIDGE BUILDING

Students at Northwestern High School were budding architects as they researched how to build bridges. The teens learned about bridge suspension, truss, types and materials, before hitting the drawing board. To bring their ideas to life, one team used straws, while another used craft sticks. The students used their STEM skills (science, engineering, technology and math) from concept to production.

YouthQuest is made possible through the generous support of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and 21^st Century Community Learning Centers.