In the process of our exploration/discovery, we will take students on a historical & cultural odyssey where they will examine NYC prior to the 21st century, investigating the Empire State: how/why it came to be, and more importantly, in the process of examining the past and present, foreshadow where it is headed as the future rapidly approaches.

Throughout the week we will explore/discover some of the primary aspects of NYC, which lie in its fabric: parks, museums, historical and cultural sites, etc. Over the course of the week, we will be sure to examine the bedrock of NYC – immigrants/immigration (tackling the current political issues/controversy – migrants/asylum seekers, etc.), highlighting that Queens is the MOST DIVERSE place on this planet, as per verifiable evidence – the U.S. Census. We will also explore who the varying immigrants of NYC are and why they came. Push & Pull Theory, varying languages/cultures transplanted here, and how they have played instrumental roles in helping to transform NY and will continue to do so as the populace changes over time throughout the 21st century onward.

Ever wonder what it takes to design and construct the many amazing buildings and structures in NYC? Through a partnership with the Center for Architecture, this hands-on Rensizzle will expose you to the fundamentals of architectural design. In addition to working out of the CFA’s workshop in Manhattan, you will meet prominent professional architects responsible for some of NYC’s notable buildings. You’ll also learn about the history of your neighborhood through the buildings that define its streets. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves while sparking your imagination through this engaging Rensizzle!

This year, the Cycling Rensizzle will explore NYC by Citi Bike! Thanks to Citi’s equity program, we will provide free bikes and helmets to riders aged 16 and over. Experienced cyclists under the age of 16 are welcome to apply. We will learn about bike safety, the benefits of cycling, and how cycling contributes to a positive community. We will be working with and learning from different bike advocacy and activist groups as we clock up to 100 miles of road over the course of the week! Learning will also encompass how to build a safer bike-friendly city. This will include speaking with political officers regarding what the city is doing to ensure the expansion of safe biking in our city. 

Notes: Electric bikes will not be available. Cyclists who opt to use their own bicycles will be required to provide proof of a tune-up prior to Rensizzle.

Wonder what goes into making a film? Learn the ins and outs of making your own short film with a professional filmmaker! In this Rensizzle, you’ll gain firsthand experience of how stories get made for the silver screen. In addition to learning technical skills such as camera framing and editing, you’ll visit studios to get behind-the-scenes views of some of the most iconic television shows in American history.

Movie lovers and film critics unite! Love movies and talking about how good the last thing you watched was? In this unit, students will discover new films and modern-day classics. Over the course of the week, we will watch movies in theaters across the city. Then, we will reflect on what we did, saw, heard, ate, and felt as we compose movie reviews for publication on a website in an effort to build a portfolio for future professional writing opportunities.

Discover how glaciers shaped the bedrock at the top of Bear Mountain and in Central Park to create the iconic New York City skyline. Hike to the top of Bear Mountain and along the way, unearth the evidence that supports glacial activity in New York. Experience the world’s largest collection of minerals and fossils that glow (floures) under blacklight. Go deep into the earth and back in time, to explore the mysteries of a natural cavern and a man-made copper mine. Sift through sand to discover minerals and gems, search the ground for the different types of sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks. Then tell your peers what you know!

Hello, Renaissance students! Get ready for an incredible week-long journey into the world of Hip-Hop as we celebrate its 50th anniversary. This culture and movement have profoundly influenced us and shaped our lives.

During our time together, you’ll have the chance to dive deep into the last five decades of Hip-Hop history. You’ll learn how to create beats with the Ren Beat Society, craft your own rap lyrics, and record Hip-Hop tracks with Mane Event Productions and your music teacher Ryan Siegel. Plus, we’ll embark on exciting trips around NYC that highlight the rich history of Hip-Hop in this iconic city.

Hip-Hop has officially reached its golden anniversary, and we’re seizing this opportunity to express our deep love and appreciation for a culture and movement that has not only shaped us but also inspired, thrilled, and defined us for half a century. Welcome to an unforgettable experience!

Have you ever wondered how spaces in New York became so environmentally friendly? Well you have come to the right place. Everywhere that we go we can see the Green spaces thriving in NYC whether it is in the city parks or other wide open spaces. Come travel with us and enjoy the sights, smells,sounds and many exciting activities within these city spaces along with the diverse rich foods nearby these spaces!

In our diverse community in NYC, it is always beneficial to know various cultures not your own. Learn about the Philippines and Korea and their impact in the US culture. We will experience their history, food, self-defense, and more.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to explore museums in a new and interesting way: Two teams will face off in a week-long scavenger hunt competition as we explore the best museums in NYC. During the first half of each day, both teams will create questions based on the exhibits for each museum, and in the second half, the two teams will swap questions and compete to see who answers the most questions first by the end of the week.

Take a deep dive into baseball, tennis, golf, and basketball as we explore connections between sports and social justice. In addition to playing these and other activities, we will research and learn about historically significant athletes who have made huge contributions to civil rights and equity. Be sure to wear your sneakers because this Rensizzle might make you break a sweat!

Think you can’t stage a play in one week? Think again! Join Marquis Studios in a weeklong residency where you will take a favorite fairy tale and bring it to life!