And what, Socrates, is the food of the soul? Surely, I said, knowledge is the food of the soul. (Plato). As we enter this holiday season where food seems to a staple at many celebrations, I felt Plato's quote was appropriate. Our QUEST feast of knowledge of ancient civilizations began with a study of archaeology and has progressed into a comparative analysis of the art of ancient civilizations. As we satisfy our literal hunger in the days to come, I encourage my students to continue to use what knowledge they have gained so far to serve as the main entree and to begin to search for side dishes to complement already consumed fare. We've been exploring the art of ancient civilizations during the months of October and November. We've compared painting styles, pottery, and masks of the ancient Greeks, Mayas, and Egyptians. Students have created a drawing using the Egyptian grid drawing technique, created tragedy and comedy Greek theatre masks and made clay pots using the Maya coil pot as an example. Students have also read and solved the mystery of "The Jewel Fish of Karnak" by Graeme Base. Finally, students have been exposed to Quotable Quotes by famous Greek philosophers. Hopefully, the student's appetite has been whetted by classroom activities. I urge them to continue to digest the morsels presented in class and to begin to seek deeper understanding of topics that interest them.
The QUEST field trip is set for December 6, 2011. We will visit the Carlos Musuem on the campus of Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. What a great opportunity for feeding our souls by observing the art and artifacts of Egypt, Greek, MesoAmerica and other civilizations. Students will not only tour the musuem but will participate in a "Mummy Wrap" activity where they will "prepare" the mummy for burial by decorating the burial mask, collar and amulets designed to send the mummy to After World.
Students will need to get up bright and early that morning. Be at school no later than 6:45 am. Pack your lunch, wear jeans and a Dalraida T-shirt and bring a snack for the bus ride. We will return to school at 3:45 pm.
We have lots to be thankful for. I am so thankful for my students and their parents. I wish everyone a wonderful and fulfilling Thanksgiving.
