STAB 2018

Today we began talking about the religion of Hinduism.  We discussed the Hindu concept of  Brahman .  Brahman is frequently described as the "universal soul", inside of which we all live. It can be difficult for people not raised within the Hindu tradition to understand the idea of Brahman, because many non-Hindus are more familiar with the idea of " God " or " gods ."  ** Brahman is not the equivalent of God. OK, so what is it? Here are some helpful descriptions of Brahman that were written by a couple of my students two years ago: Brahman is not a person but an invisible force that is everywhere. Brahman is something everyone wants to be part of. Not a God, but a  force . Brahman is the universal soul. It is neither a person or a god. It is the unchanging reality behind the physical illusions of life. ------------------- Hindus do, however, believe that there are many (thousands!) of gods and goddesses within Brahman. Three of the primary Hindu gods are ...

Art by Sonia Sophia : Would you be considered religious if you believed in something that is not part of any official religion? Art by Peyton Peyton : Are there people who believe in multiple religions? If so, what are they called? Laney  and  Lucca : How does believing in a religion change or affect a person? Does believing in religion make you a better person? Lyra : How would you know if you met God? How would it feel? Art by Harrison Spicer : Why, in some religions, are candles so significant? Kelsey : Why does everyone relate religious beings with light ? Isn't there such a thing as too much light? You need to strike a balance. Will : Do all religions have a ritual of doing something to babies (like Baptism for Christians)? Kelly : If a religion believes that people go to an afterlife, what age would you be in the afterlife? Edward : Why would someone believe in religion if they don't know, for sure , that it's real? Art by Polina

An Ancient Chinese Village Constructed and Described by Sophia, Kelsey and Lucca Our village is a very small village. It is called She Chu, translated as “Snake Village.” Our village has three pagodas . The most important one is where the chief worships and lives. The red of this pagoda symbolizes good fortune, and the golden flag and snakes symbolize wealth. Our other two smaller pagodas are where the villagers can worship. Some wealthy villagers can afford to live in a higher level of these small pagodas. Check out Kelsey's gorgeous origami pagoda! A common job here is farming. Villagers can be seen tending to crops and taking care of pigs and horses. These humble farmers live in a white, tan or red house made of hang t’u that is colored white, tan and red. These houses are sort of run down because of age, and the farmers cannot afford for repairs. Another job is trading. A woman can be seen selling goods from her cart to a man. The city is called She Chu because the villagers ...

I hope you enjoy this informative (and catchy!) video by Andrew, Kelly, Maggie  and  Chance .

The Chinese Flamethrower Constructed and Described by William The flamethrower was one of ancient China’s best military inventions. They got the idea from the ancient Greeks, who had made one in earlier times. The flamethrower was a box that held a chemical similar to gasoline. On top of the box was a tube with a pump inside it. At the end of the tube was a spark that ignited the fuel when it was shot through it. The flamethrower was able to shoot out flames when they pushed the handle forwards as well as when they pulled it backwards. When the Chinese were attacking in close quarters they could spray a wall of fire up to 60 feet and no one could penetrate it. When it was first used in warfare their enemies thought it was some sort of magical spell or mysterious god.  The Sphinx of Giza Sculpted and Described by Lila The sphinx was carved out of limestone. It was built to guard Pharaoh Khafre's tomb. It has a lion's body and the head of a king. Many historians believe that it w...

Here's a preview of Izzy ,  Harrison ,  James , and  Max's  entertaining (and informative) video about ancient Egypt... Mason ,  Jack L. , and  Cole  made their very own clay tablet, and then they inscribed it with Egyptian hieroglyphics.  And, if you translate the hieroglyphics, they'll give you a special clue for Thursday's quiz!! ------------------ Finally: for today's Musical Monday selection, we listened to Tim McGraw's beautiful Humble and Kind . The video includes images related to a number of religious rituals, and some of the students have already begun thinking about religion in terms of its relationship to ancient China and Egypt. For example: Martha : How often did the ancient Chinese use oracle bones to seek help and advice? Scout : Why did the ancient Egyptians come up with such a complicated religion?

Mia , Spicer  and  Peyton  created a digital model of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Then, they worked with Ms. Wilkens to print their model ... in three dimensions!  They showed great initiative in asking to use the 3-D printer for their "Build Something" mission.  Even more impressively, Ms. Wilkens explained to me that most three-dimensional printings with a large hole in the middle (like Mia's pyramid) would collapse, because the printing material is not strong enough to withstand the gravity created by the hole. The "super strength" of Mia's pyramid model is related to its shape -- and it may help explain why the pyramids from ancient Egypt have remained solid for so many thousands of years.  I've given Mia, Spicer and Peyton the extra challenge of explaining to the rest of us why a pyramid is an especially strong, stable shape.  I have a hunch they will rise to the occasion! Max ,  Charlie  and  Lila  are demonstrating one of the...

Fletcher has been working diligently on his rap about the dynasties of ancient China, and I thought you would enjoy a snippet Meanwhile, Chaolin and  Sonia  are hard at work on their trifold presentation... And  Maggie's  map of ancient Egypt is beautiful!

Team Egypt is STRONG!   Tatiana and Lellie are naturals behind the camera, and Jack's directing skills are impressive! Can you believe this intricate model (made from actual sand!) of an Egyptian pyramid?  It makes me want to ask Lucy : Is a career in architecture in your future plans? And how about Alex's fantastic creation of an ancient Egyptian burial temple? If you haven't had a chance to look inside, you should do so! Here is how Alex describes his creation: My templed is supposed to be an uncovered mummy site in the Valley of the Kings, where a mummy was buried. The temple is one big room, with torches lining the wall. There is one big front entrance flanked by hieroglyphics that depict the pharaoh going to the afterlife. The inside has several columns and a “map” to the afterlife and the weighing of the hearts. The top signifies a tall gold spire reaching out to connect with the gods. There is a pot holding the dead pharaoh weapons/tools. In a far corner the dead...

The China Dynasty Song (with thanks to Whit P. for the request): Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han Dynasty Dynasty China is the Best, Yes! China is the Best, Yes! You shall see Shi Huangdi