Author Archives: Hannah Blacksin

Scientific Microadventures (hannah)

Note: This class is open to middle school students only.

This is a middle school science class!

In this twice-a-week class, we will go on microadventures (very small adventures) around the neighborhood. We will utilize the scientific method to hypothesize about and experiment on some aspect of each microadventure. 

We will first create a list of places to go on a microadventure and engage with scientifically. Ideas include Danny Woo Community Garden and ecology; Uwajimaya and nutrition; the aquarium and marine biology; nearby parks and ornithology or botany; sociology on the streets; the school refrigerator and MOLD??? So many possibilities! 

We will then go on some of these microadventures and engage in the scientific method: observe and ask questions, research, form hypotheses, experiment, collect data, analyze our findings, and make a conclusion! To earn Science credit, you must attend the majority of our class microadventures and participate in projects including all parts of the applied scientific method. 

This class is itself an experiment, but it will be a very fun one. Let’s go on microadventures around the neighborhood to learn the foundations of all scientific inquiry together!

  • Outside work: Occasional throughout the term

MS Philosophy (hannah)

Note: This class is open to middle school students only.

In this twice-a-week middle school philosophy class, we will read texts, watch videos, and engage in activities that facilitate discussion of major philosophical topics. This class will cover the foundations of philosophy and then dive deeper into the topics that interest the class. There will be little outside work for this class. Students will receive a social studies credit by participating in discussion and completing all assignments, including (potentially) one structured deliberation and one other larger assignment.

  • Outside work: Occasional throughout the term

Soccer (hannah)

In this Wednesday class, we will walk up to Yesler Terrace to play soccer. All skill levels welcome. See photo above for realistic depiction of us playing in the rain. This is a Health and Fitness credit. 

  • Outside work: No outside work

Recess! (hannah)

In this once-a-week class, we will head to the community gym and play group games together, including basketball, volleyball, four square, badminton, and mushroom ball. Open to all. This is a Health and Fitness credit.

  • Outside work: No outside work

Make Art, Write, and Send (hannah)

Bring back letter-writing! This method of connection with others is an absolute delight and requires thoughtfulness, initiative, and clear handwriting. Perhaps you will even establish a pen pal! 

In this once-a-week Art credit class, we will make art together, write letters on the art, and send it to our loved ones. The art will be 2D – painting, drawing, collage. HB will provide stamps. Open to all. 

  • Outside work: No outside work

MS Literature – The Astonishing Color of After (hannah)

Note: This class is open to middle school students only.

In this middle school English class, we will read The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan. From the author’s website: 

Leigh Chen Sanders is absolutely certain about one thing: When her mother died by suicide, she turned into a bird. Leigh, who is half Asian and half white, travels to Taiwan to meet her maternal grandparents for the first time. There, she is determined to find her mother, the bird. In her search, she winds up chasing after ghosts, uncovering family secrets, and forging a new relationship with her grandparents. 

Alternating between reality and magic, past and present, hope and despair, this is a novel about finding oneself through family history, art, bravery, and love.

This twice-a-week class will include weekly close reading; in-class writing and discussion about literary elements, major themes, and Taiwanese culture; and bigger writing assignments and projects throughout the term. To earn credit, students must read the book, participate in discussion, and complete all written work assigned.

  • Outside work: A moderate amount (e.g., 30-60 min) for each session
  • Mature themes: suicide and mental illness.

HS Literature – The Kite Runner (hannah)

Note: This class is open to high school students only.

In this high school English class, we will read The Kite Runner by Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini. From the author’s website: 

The unforgettable, heartbreaking story of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father’s servant, The Kite Runner is a beautifully crafted novel set in a country that is in the process of being destroyed. It is about the power of reading, the price of betrayal, and the possibility of redemption; and an exploration of the power of fathers over sons—their love, their sacrifices, their lies.

A sweeping story of family, love, and friendship told against the devastating backdrop of the history of Afghanistan over the last thirty years, The Kite Runner is an unusual and powerful novel that has become a beloved, one-of-a-kind classic.

This twice-a-week class will include weekly close reading; in-class writing and discussion about literary elements and Afghanistan history; and bigger writing assignments and projects throughout the term. To earn credit, students must read the book, participate in discussion, and complete all written work assigned. 

  • Outside work: A moderate amount (e.g., 30-60 min) for each session
  • Mature themes: systemic oppression and violence including sexual violence

Leadership (hannah)

Leadership this term will include our second Community Engagement Day, various other holidays, and whatever other projects y’all are excited about. We will continue to develop skills including collaboration, communication, responsive facilitation, idea workshopping, problem-solving and more. To earn a Career and Tech credit for this class, you must participate, contribute to projects, and reflect on your process.

This class will meet twice-a-week and is open to all. You do not need to have been in the first term class to join. 

  • Outside work: Occasional throughout the term

Dance and Sing (hannah)

In this once-a-week class, we will dance and sing together. Using a collaboratively curated playlist, this class includes some facilitated movement and mostly freedom of expression. Everyone welcome. This is a Health and Fitness credit.

  • Outside work: No outside work

Poetry Lab (hannah)

In this twice-a-week English class, we will read, interpret, and write our own poetry. 

We will read lots of poetry to study how this art form continues to change over time and across cultures. We will write lots of poetry, examining elements of the form and experimenting with different styles. You will be facilitated in different writing activities and methods in order to develop confidence and apply new skills. This class will require you to write with soul, share aloud, and give / receive feedback on each other’s work. 

Topics will include levels of analysis and literary devices; contemporary and historic poets ranging from Mahmoud Darwish to our current Poet Laureate, Ada Limon; found poetry, haiku, rhyme and free verse. 

You will be expected to complete every writing assignment in order to earn credit for this class. Open to all.

  • Outside work: A small amount (e.g., <30 min) for each session

HS Philosophy (hannah)

Note: This class is open to high school students only.

In this twice-a-week high school philosophy class, we will continue to read texts, watch videos, question assumptions, discuss and deliberate on major philosophical topics. This term, we will begin by talking about religion and the afterlife, and go from there.

You do not need to have taken the first term philosophy class to join. To receive credit Social Studies for this class, you must participate in discussion and complete all assignments. 

  • Outside work: Occasional throughout the term