On Campus: 8th Grade Projects
The Class of 2021 is proud to present this year’s collection of 8th Grade projects
Welcome to Night 2 of presentations, introduction by Chris Mullally, Class Teacher here. Learn about what goes into the 8th Grade Projects!
Each year, our 8th graders embark on an endeavor of their choosing with the goal of exploration. Students choose topics of both longstanding passions and new found curiosities in the world around them. They work one on one with a mentor (sometimes multiple) in the community. Over the course of several months (10 months in the case of the class of 2021), they work to build meaningful relationships and form connections within their topic of exploration. The project work culminates with a presentation to their peers and community members around their findings and discoveries. (To learn more about the project components, explore the introduction from night 2!)
Welcome to Night 3 of presentations, introduction by Chris Mullally, Class Teacher here. Learn about the goals of 8th Grade projects!
The 8th Grade project is a rite of passage in Waldorf Curriculum. They are a chance for our students to explore a topic and move from beginner to expert in their field of discovery.
The goals for these projects include encouraging students to step outside their comfort zone, build new relationships, plant a seeds that might flourish into a future passion. Above all, our goal for every student is that they learn they are capable of tackling big goals and creating beautiful, quality work. (To learn more about the goals, explore the introduction from night 3!)
Normally an event for a filled performance hall, this year our incredible collection from the class of 2021 can be explored in its entirety below.
We’d like to thank all of the incredible mentors: invaluable figures in the success of these projects and growth of our students.
Congratulations to all our presenters on their fantastic work.
May the lessons learned linger for a lifetime.
Our Project Presenters from the Class of 2021:
Hunter Noll: Freshwater Fishing
Fishing is one of those sports that you can always learn more about. I have learned about the history of fishing, and the awesome story of my amazing mentor, Kirk Webb”s, biography. I met my mentor at the Crystal River Fly Shop here in Carbondale. This project was difficult, but it has shown me where I can improve, and skill I have mastered. I am happy with the work I did and I hope you are too.
Monte Musselman: Winter Terrain Park Design
I have always been interested in how terrain parks are designed and built. My mentor, Yannick Rioux, is the manager of the Buttermilk and Snowmass terrain parks. Throughout my 8th Grade Project experience, I was able to meet with Yannic to do opening, midday and closing sweeps of the terrain park. I also got to ride in a Snowcat, as well as learn to design, build and maintain a terrain park. I had a great 8th grade Project experience, and I hope to stay involved with winter terrain parks both as a designer and skier.
Josiah Wheeless: Adventures in Computer Repair
I was always interested in computers. Although they are so useful in the present day, they do have a downside: they break or stop working very easily. This is why I chose computer repair for my project. My mentor, Todd Anderson, helped me so much, answering any questions I had and even giving me some of his own tools! I also learned so much about computer history.. Did you know Steve Jobs and Steve Wosniak,the creators of the billion-dollar company, Apple, used to work as Allison In Wonderland characters at a mall? I’m very excited to take the skills I learned and use them in the future.
Questions & Answers from Night One
A window of time is always given after the presentations for questions from the audience. The collection of questions from night one can be found here. Featuring Hunter Noll, Monte Musselman and Josiah Wheeless.
Nina Villafranco: Forensic Science
My eighth grade project taught me so much, not only about forensic science itself, but about hard work and the importance of discovering new things. I leaned to dust, lift and fume fingerprints, which is an amazing skill for me to have. I was able to speak to a working FBI agent, whca was beyond cool. My mentor, Jim Gaw, provided me with the materials and the knowledge to perform my experiments. I am so grateful to have had this unique experience!
Camille Austin: Rock Climbing
I've always loved climbing, and I was stoked to do climbing for my project. I’ve learned about the history, gear, and people who revolutionized modern-day climbing. I enjoyed some amazing experiences, and I'm so lucky for this opportunity Waldorf has given me!
Rio Smith: Japanese Sword Fighting
It has been a great experience to learn the art of Japanese sword fighting. I learned a lot about the amazing Samurai and Ninja. I also had a great time learning about all of this with my mentor, Mike Jones. I had a great time and hope to continue when Covid restrictions are lifted. Hopefully I’ll know what to do if I ever get jumped in an alley!
Questions & Answers from Night Two
A window of time is always given after the presentations for questions from the audience. The collection of questions from night two can be found here. Featuring Nina Villafranco, Camille Austin & Rio Smith.
Teo Menconi: Outdoor Adventure Filmmaking
I chose outdoor adventure filmmaking for my 8th grade project because watching people doing the sport that they are passionate about on film, makes me feel happy inside. My mentor, Criss Tribble, helped me through all of the experiences I had. I learned to film, edit and be patient. I am so grateful for this experience, I will never forget it.
McKenna McAdams: Macro Photography
I have always been interested in the art of photography, and wanted to know some of the techniques and tricks that people use. I got the perfect opportunity this year to gain knowledge about exposure, color, contrast, aperture, depth of field and so much more. Of courseI couldn’t have done this without my mentors: Allen Davenport and Nannette Weinhold. They love photography, and were so kind to have made time for me. Because of them I created a collection of amazing photos throughout my experience. I am so grateful!
Canyon Cherney: Gunsmithing
For as long as I can remember I’ve watched my dad prepare to go hunting each year for geese, deer, and elk. This is what sparked my interest in firearms. Though I didn’t actually start hunting until I was 12, I went to the range many times This is where my interest in gun work began. During my journey I was lucky enough to come in contact with Billy Carr. Billy is an amazing person with lots of experience with firearms, I’m so grateful he agreed to mentor me. Throughout my experience I’ve learned many interesting skills and techniques that I hadn’t known before. Hopefully I can continue to explore the art of gunsmithing.
Jacob Baetz: Flying Propeller Planes
Although I am not yet a captain, my goal is to become a pilot. During this experience, I learned how to do touch and go, a technical flying sequence. I also learned how to do steep turns with the plane. All of my mentors: Elizabeth Thompson, Scott Noll and Travis Johnson, helped me learn to fly. They gave me great advice and opportunities. Flying is something that I am very good at, and is very fun. I look forward to continuing my journey to becoming a pilot!
Questions & Answers from Night Three
A window of time is always given after the presentations for questions from the audience. The collection of questions from night three can be found here. Featuring Canyon Cherney, Teo Menconi, McKenna McAdams and Jacob Baetz.
Aidan Meadows: 3 Dimensional Printing
Ever since I was old enough to roll down the hills at the Kinderhouse, I have loved to build.Over these past 10 months, I have learned not only how to write long papers, but to design objects and print them with my 3-D printer.i met my mentor, Leah in August and have met with her many times since. I printed many 3 D objects, but my favorite one is the Razor Crest. It took over 34 hours to print! I don’t know who I will use 3 D printing in the future, but I will continue creating incredible designs.
Henry Hendrix: Sailing Starts
My 8th grade project was such a good experience, and sailing with Aaron Smith was so much fun. I learned that if I ask for what I want, such as a mentor, without holding back from shyness, good things will come from that effort. I learned how to sail a Star! I had so much fun and I'm happy to have had this experience.
Oz Hightower: The Art of Cartooning
There is a whole plethora of cartoons; political, satire, single panel, comic book, animation, and many other types that I could go on and on about, but what I pursued was a complicated mixture of realism and bizarre humor. Through the teachings of my mentor, Brian Colley, I learned a variety of styles and ways to play with cartooning, and learned more about the subject in general. I am thankful for being a part of this project, as it opened a window to more capabilities with my artwork.
Questions & Answers from Night Four
A window of time is always given after the presentations for questions from the audience. The collection of questions from night four can be found here. Featuring Oz Hightower, Henry Hendrix and Aidan Meadows.
