Whitby's Upper School and Lower Elementary Working Together!
“UPCYCLING” is a term used to describe the process of turning unwanted materials into new products of better quality or higher value… AKA bringing the value UP!
Since the LE students are learning about “Recycling”, we thought it would be fun to try “Upcycling!”
“CEREALISM” is a term invented by Designer Michael Albert, after refusing to throw away a Frosted Flakes box. He cut the box into pieces, then glued them down… creating “Cerealism!”
Since the 6th graders are learning about Product Packaging in Mr. Lohmeyer's Design Class, we wanted to “Upcycle” old cereal boxes and other cardboard packages to created “Cerealism” pieces!
Before Spring Break 6th graders learned about Michael Albert, who invented "Cerealism" in 1996. We studied his collage "Sunflowers" and used it as a template for the Buddies to use, in order to collaborate together with discarded cardboard, scissors, and glue sticks.
"6th graders spent time after the Hunger Banquet to prep materials for the Buddy Date. This involved cutting cardboard pieces and/or gluing them to the template." -Mrs. Sondo, 6th Science teacher
LEA Buddies: "The students led the directions, instead of me. It meant more coming from the 6th graders." -Mrs. Custer, 6th English teacher
LEB Buddies: "LE kids were able to understand the concept of upcycling thanks to their recycling unit. For instructions, make clear that groups should work together.” -Mr. Greene, 6th Individuals & Societies teacher
LEC Buddies: "It was great to see every single student engaged and working alongside their buddies creating their projects." -Mrs. Lovett, 6th Team Leader
LED Buddies: "Cerealism was a fun concept to introduce to LE. They started by finding their favorite products on the boxes!" -Mr. Lohmeyer, 6th Design teacher
After the activity, 6th graders used each smaller collage to create one large collage:. "In addition to a fun bonding experience, we have a great document of the collaboration and community shared in this event." -Mr. Budzelek, 6th Math teacher
After making the large collage, we shared the final product with Whitby Administration: Interim Head of Lower School Mrs. Helgesen, wrote, "I would love to find a way to display some of their creations. Maybe we can have a 6th grader and an LE student present at the assembly next month with some photos on the slide show?" You got it!
Working with Mrs. Helgesen and Mrs. Fox in the Lower School, and Mr. Lohmeyer and Mrs. Lovett in the Upper School, we recruited presenters to spread the message about the importance of "Upcycling," the fun experience of "Cerealism," and the amazing collage that is now on display in then Upper School Design Lab. Thanks to Buddies Inaaya (6th) and Sahana (LE), and Vasilisa (6th) and Conor (LE), for sharing their experience at the May 2019 All-School Assembly!