Experience
One of the beauties of boarding school is the way all parts of life intersect. We want our summer community to be a safe place to take creative risks and strive to be our best selves. This means striking a good work-life balance and considering non-academic time just as important as our course work. During the program, we schedule open-ended free time in the afternoons and evenings; we plan casual gatherings like weekend picnics; and we have structured co-curriculars, field trips, and sit-down meals. The Experimentory is a place where students can step outside of their comfort zone, collaborate and find creative solutions to all types of problems.
CLASSES
Our program consists of project-based, creative classes that approach subjects in fresh and exciting ways. What subjects? What ways? We love to try new things—which means the Experimentory changes from year-to-year as we play and experiment. Below are our 2024 courses!
2024 Courses
Digital Images, Voices, and Sounds
Our contemporary media landscape is saturated with audiovisual messages: we live in a world of screens, headphones, and loudspeakers that constitute the backdrop to our everyday experiences. Why should we content ourselves with the role of passive spectators and listeners when we can become creators? In this class, you will learn the fundamentals of audiovisual digital content creation in the area of your choosing: filmmaking, podcasting, or songwriting. Through a hands-on collaborative approach that imitates the practices of the contemporary film and music industries, students will work on a wide range of projects from start to finish. By experimenting and playing, you will learn the basic creative and technical skills needed to express your thoughts, emotions, and ideas through videos, podcasts, and songs.
Rocket Science: Blasting Off into the World of Physics and Engineering
Prepare yourself for an amazing trip through the physics and engineering behind rocket science! Throughout this hands-on course, you will have the opportunity to dive deep into the fundamental principles of physics that govern the motion of rockets. From Newton’s laws of motion to the dynamics of thrust and propulsion, you’ll discover the theory behind what makes rockets soar into the sky and beyond! In addition, you have the chance to put your own theories to the test by designing and building your own water-powered rocket! By the end of this three-week journey, you will have a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of mechanics and their application to one of the most exciting events in science: launching a rocket!
GameCraft: Exploring the Art of Video Game Design
Welcome to the thrilling world of video game design – where imagination meets innovation! In this course, students will gain the fundamental skills of game design, powered by the cutting-edge program, Game Maker. We’ll dive head-first into the realm of game development as we learn the ins and outs of Game Maker. From mastering variables to unleashing the power of functions and objects, students will be armed with the tools to bring their wildest gaming fantasies to life. Working in small teams, students will flex their creative muscles as they design and construct their very own custom video games. From brainstorming epic storylines, rules, and content to crafting thrilling 2D levels, the possibilities are endless and the only limit is your imagination! No experience in video game design or coding is required for this course.
THE CLASH: Proof, Persuasion, and The Art of Debate
The CLASH is the best part of any debate! It’s that special moment when two debaters come to terms from opposite sides. It’s the heart of an argument. But to get there, we need some tools. The goal of this course is to give you those necessary tools to debate effectively. We’ll explore logic, rhetoric, and the theory of argumentation through some lessons and lots of practice. We will engage in a variety of different high-school and collegiate debating styles to understand key concepts and terms used in each. You will leave this course with a much deeper understand of how to evaluate, construct, and perform arguments, and see huge improvements in public speaking. You’ll love the clash!
The Anatomy of Movement
The Anatomy of Movement will take a deep dive into the thrilling world of how your body moves and functions! Students will embark on a journey through the inner workings of the body’s systems that power their every movement. From the mighty muscular and skeletal systems to the breath-taking and heart-pumping of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, we’ll explore it all. In this action-packed lab-based course students will become scientist explorers as we use tools like microscopes to observe muscle tissue and the Vernier measurement system and uncover the fascinating rhythms of the body in action. Students will also have the opportunity to unleash their inner surgeon as we dissect various specimens to better understand how they function. The course will culminate with a collaborative project where students will answer their own research questions further uncovering the secrets of the human body!
Our Changing Planet: Exploring Climate Change, Human Impacts, and Solutions
Climate change is the greatest challenge to humans in the 21st century, yet what is it? Can we see it? Are we the problem, the solution, or both? This course will provide a survey of topics examining the relationship between humans and the climate. Students will learn about what climate change is, how to distinguish climate effects from weather-related phenomena, what evidence supports the theory of climate change, and how we, as scientists and humans, can mitigate climate change exacerbation. Students will have the opportunity to further support their education on climate by practicing skills in the lab and in the field, such as using infrared thermometers to map heat islands, testing soil for carbon, and evaluating air samples for ozone. Students will identify patterns within that data, and draw conclusions about climate change in the Deerfield area, ultimately generating a climate risk assessment of the Deerfield area.
Break A Leg! Performance on the Stage
Have you ever been nervous to speak in front of a crowd? Are you queasy at just the thought of reading in class or performing publicly? Or, are you a seasoned speaker/performer looking to perfect your craft? In all cases, this is the class for you! Through building a tight-knit ensemble, this course encourages students to hone their critical and creative thinking skills and increase their confidence in both performing and public speaking. Students will work collaboratively on scenes, and monologues from established playwrights which will be performed on the final day. Your self-confidence will soar during our time together, and you will never again hesitate to take full advantage of an opportunity to perform.
Creative Writing – Tracing our Roots Through Food
Grab your pencil and a spatula for a creative writing class that dives into the world of food and culinary traditions to discover what it says about you, your family, and your community! Ever wonder why your grandma makes that special dish every holiday? Or what foods your ancestors ate? As we learn the art of creative writing you will research your family’s most treasured recipes and compose a personal essay that weaves history, culture, and memories into your writing. You’ll also work on creating a collaborative cookbook with your classmates, combining your stories into a collection that celebrates the unique backgrounds of everyone in the class. Finally, we’ll spend some time in the kitchen bringing your family’s stories to life as we recreate the dishes you’ve been researching and savor the flavors that connect you to your roots! Whether you already have a love for nonfiction writing or would like to further develop your personal narrative writing skills, this delicious adventure is perfect for all!
Explorations in Mathematics - The Art of Mathematical Problem-Solving
How tall is the flagpole and how many flagpoles would it take to reach the moon? How many times a day does someone sneeze at the Experimentory? Given 6-piece and 10-piece orders of chicken nuggets, how many different amounts of nuggets can you order? Mathematical problem solving is the art and science of finding a path to a solution, even when there is no clear place to start. Through exploring the Deerfield campus, creating art, building structures, and more, students in this class will learn how math can be used to see the world and will explore the fun and creative exercise of problem solving! Students will collaborate to solve problems, model situations, and find ideas that truly interest and excite them. Students will also do origami, build mathematical objects, and use both hands-on application and mathematics to discover new ideas. This course will introduce students to concepts such as mathematical problem solving, modeling, mathematical origami, and game theory. Students of all experience levels are welcome in this course!
People
Experimentory teachers are smart and curious—just like you! They will guide you through a process of discovery, while allowing you to follow your own unique interests—wherever they may take you.
During the year, our faculty teach at Deerfield Academy and enjoy exploring specific topics of their curriculum with Experimentory students over the summer. Being familiar with all that DA has to offer, they are able to support each student’s ideas to help them become a reality. Along with our teaching faculty, residential assistants and office staff also help support students and make our program a success. Our residential assistants live in the dorms, plan activities, assist teachers in the classroom, and have fun alongside our students. The office staff are your go-to resources as you learn about the program, apply, and make your way to campus. All of these individuals work closely together to ensure that the Experimentory is a summer experience that students won’t soon forget. Below you’ll see examples of some of our teaching faculty from previous summers. These faculty members continue to teach at Deerfield Academy and bring vast knowledge and enthusiasm to our program.
David Payne
FACULTY
“Functional Art:
Architectural Sketching and Design”
Mr. Payne’s love of architecture started young: he grew up in a quintessential New England small town full of beautiful 18th and 19th century buildings. In time he not only grew an appreciation of how the function and form of individual features become a building and home, but also how individual buildings together constitute a place and a community. In addition to traditional architectural design classes, he teaches AP 3-D Design. His classes place strong value on practical spaces and architecture as a tactile craft–for example, designing a new Academy dorm and learning to draw plans and build models by hand. And with three active boys at home, he is no stranger to change and adventure.
Jamie Frank
FACULTY
"FOR THE SAKE OF ARGUMENT: EXPLORING ETHICAL ISSUES"
After graduating from college with a teaching degree and then attending law school, Ms. Frank practiced law for five years. During that time, she missed the interesting, Socratic conversations of a law school classroom so much that she returned to education in 2013. When she came to Deerfield, Ms. Frank was excited for the opportunity to talk with talented young people about ethical issues in the world around them and how they could be agents for positive change. Ms. Frank lives on campus with her partner and her son, and when she’s not reading the news and listening to political podcasts she loves to garden and to hike in the beautiful hills of the Pioneer Valley.
CATRIONA HYNDS
FACULTY
“Break a Leg: Performance on the Stage”
Ms Hynds was raised in the foothills of the Himalayas. The backdrop of the mountains growing up surely inspired her love of travel which has led to her living and working in many countries. As a professionally trained director, Ms. Hynds brings a unique approach to her theater and acting classes. She encourages students to move out of their comfort zones to maximize their creativity, while having fun at the same time.
Jaime Correa
FACULTY
“Your First Drop: Lyric Writing and Video Production”
Mr. Correa fell under the spell of the lonely, wandering cowboys on the silver screen at an early age. In time, his interests expanded from the individual stories to how they were told through words and images. These fascinations led to degrees in Film and Television, and then Film Studies and Cultural Studies. His interest in music and songwriting is more personal passion than formal education. He studies classical guitar in his free time and finds songwriting a new incarnation of his love of poetry. His Experimentory classes are a fusion of all these creative and academic pursuits. He loves cultivating his students’ visual, poetic, and musical literacy.
A DAY AT THE EXPERIMENTORY
Breakfast
Course 1
Club Time
Course 1
Lunch
Course 2
DFG
Course 2
cocurriculars
Dinner
Leadership class
dorm/hall check in
Lights out
"DFG"
Dorm / Field / Greer
Free time is an opportunity to recharge in whatever way suits you: reading in the Dorm, a pickup soccer game in the Fields, ice cream over a game of cards in the Greer Cafe—or a little bit of all three.
DORMS
Dorms aren’t just the place you sleep: your evenings there include snacks, impromptu dance parties, birthday celebrations, and time to reflect on all you learned and experienced during the day.
MEALS
Sit-down meals in the Dining Hall are a great place to meet, relax, and chat with friends.
Co-curriculars
Our team of proctors lead student cocurricular times each day; cocurriculars offer great chances to enjoy a favorite pastime or to try something new—and to have fun!
Studio
Every evening students return to their classrooms to tinker and work on their projects with their collaborators.
All X
Everyone comes together to reflect on the Experimentory’s themes and to have a lot of fun at the same time!
Leadership and Communication
Ideas can’t change the world unless they are shared with others, so developing leadership and communication skills is an essential part of the Experimentory experience.