Workshop about Reality

What is real? What is illusion? What is the difference? Does either really exist? - oliMiddle School students explored the concept of reality and illusion through a series of workshops, activities and with the help of a number of special guest speakers.
 
The purpose of these days is to engage students in interdisciplinary learning and higher level thinking that integrates the different subject curricula of 6th and 7th grade. Students will be encouraged to think about broader issues and to reflect on their assumptions and own biases.
 
Central Idea
Reality is the result of our own efforts and characteristics rather than simply a given.
Students will be challenged to:

• Reflect on their own understanding of reality
• Acquire some knowledge on some specialized aspects such as Arts or Computer Science in relation to reality
• Write a response to a visual stimulation
• Formulate and present an opinion on reality
• Explore and discuss the idea of a created reality
• Engage in the writing of a short essay to summarize their learning experience

 
Workshops
The Matrix – is reality a creation?
Using an excerpt of the Matrix, engage students in discussions about how to recognize reality.
 
Maps – is our location a reality?
Using different maps, students will explore the reality of our created environments, including city maps, subway maps, street maps and both new and old country maps.
 
Webquest – folklore creatures: myth or reality?
Based on internet research, students get to present their opinions about mythical creatures, determining whether they believe them to be real or not.
 
Guest Speakers
Mr. Van KeLaita is a Dutch artist who has been presenting his work (A night of illusion is the title of the collection) to students in Europe as part of a reflection on Art, illusions and Emotions, engaging them in dialogue about their perceptions.
 
Ms. Seyran Ates is an author who will talk to the students about how immigrants can live in different realities than the rest of the host society because of cultural and political assumptions.
 
Mr Jörg Friedrich is a member of a video game developer based in Berlin, (Yager) who will be coming to talk to the students about how video games are made to be as ‘real’ as possible and the multiple layers and skills involved in the making of such gaming experiences.