As the school year winds down, keeping students excited about learning can be a challenge—but not at Worcester Academy. Minimester flips the script, turning the final days of school into an opportunity for hands-on, real-world exploration.
For four days in May, 76 Middle School students stepped outside traditional classes and immersed themselves into hands-on interdisciplinary topics like the Stock Market, Fuel for Life, and the Science of Sound, connecting classroom concepts to careers and everyday life. With expert-led sessions, creative projects, and a final showcase, Minimester proves that learning doesn’t have to slow down just because summer is near.
The idea behind Minimester is simple: no career exists in a single subject silo. “It’s not likely that I will major in math in college and then go into a profession where I use math and only math,” says Dr. Jacqueline Arce, Head of Middle School. “I am going to have to combine things I learned from other classes and areas of life.”
To reinforce that point, students explored topics like:
- The Stock Market (math + history)
- Fuel for Life (science + physical education + health)
- The Science of Sound (science + music)
Each session included mini-lessons on key concepts, followed by a student-driven project that applied their learning. The program culminated in a showcase, where students presented their work to their peers.
In Fuel for Life, students studied heart rate, energy expenditure, and how nutrition fuels exercise. A professional dietitian led a session on healthy eating, and students applied their knowledge by creating personalized fitness and nutrition plans for a fictional client.
In The Stock Market, students analyzed how the market impacts the economy and invested $100,000 in a simulated portfolio. They tracked their stocks, studied financial trends, and presented recommendations on whether to invest in specific companies.
Learning That Sticks
Students overwhelmingly embraced the experience, recognizing its real-world value:
- “I learned that dollar cost averaging is the best way to invest, as it allows you to gain more money.” (Stock Market session participant)
- “People who eat well live longer and have a lower risk for serious health problems like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.” (Fuel for Life attendee)
One student summed it up simply: “It was refreshing to do something new that isn't an ordinary class.”
A Successful First Year—And A Stronger Return
Seventy-seven percent of students said they enjoyed the Minimester, and 81% reported learning something new. For Dr. Arce, that’s exactly the outcome she hoped for. “We wanted kids to end on an invigorated note—excited about education and coming back next year. I think we succeeded.”
With such positive feedback, Worcester Academy plans to expand Minimester in the future, giving students even more opportunities to connect learning to life beyond the classroom.
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Dr. Jacqueline Arce |
