Ms. Addy is very excited about project-based learning, and is already buzzing with ideas for future projects! Check out some of her ideas below!
More than a meal!
Big Idea: Food is tied to tradition; food is tied to memories, and food brings people together. In this project, students will explore family history, cultural identity, and sustainability through the study of food. Students will learn about where their food comes from, and how it gets to their tables. We will take a closer look at the way our bodies break down and use food through study of human biology. We will seek to understand the importance of a balanced diet, as well as the body systems that keep us alive. Students will reflect on the significance that food has in their own lives, and the role it plays in our community. This project will build connection in our classroom by encouraging students to invite each other to the table to share their traditions. Field Work/Experts:
Local restauranteurs
Students' family members
Visit to local sustainable farm
Possible Products:
"An Avocado's Journey" - A research-based creative writing piece that details the journey of our food from farm to table, from the perspective of the food itself.
Recipe book of significant dishes in which each student contributes a recipe and a "food story" explaining its importance.
Body system diagrams showing how food is broken down by and helps nourish our bodies.
Students will grapple with the history of and science behind the land we stand on. They will seek to understand the unique histories and cultures of the many peoples that have called Southern California "home" throughout time. Students will learn about perspective-taking by studying critical narratives of marginalized peoples who have lived on this land, analyzing photos and primary documents, and hearing from experts who are working to preserve their people's legacy. Students will also learn about the land itself from a geographical and geological standpoint, and seek to understand the different motivations and significant events that have emerged from Southern California's unique landscape. We will combine our study of earth science and sociology to look at how the meaning and uses of this land we stand on has changed over time. We will explore the landscape's importance from the perspectives of the First People of the Kumeyaay, Luiseno, Cahuilla and Cupeno tribes, Spanish colonizers, and Gold Rush-era miners. We will use our understanding of history and perspective-taking to unpack our own connections to the land we call home. Students will create photography portfolios that tell the story of what living in Southern California's landscape means to them, as well as create mixed media landscape art. This project will have a heavy emphasis on analyzing and interpreting informational texts, as well as perspective-taking in writing.
biomimicry is the greatest form of flattery
In this project, students will explore the ways that nature has inspired humans to create. We will look at visual arts, poetry, prose, engineering, and even interior design to understand inspiration sparked from nature. We will look at the mathematical advantages of certain natural structures, and study examples of nature-inspired innovation from around the world. Students will study different elements of the natural world and find their own slice of inspiration from which they will create authentic works of writing and mathematical art.
Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar?
In this project, students will study forensic science and works of fiction to understand and solve their own mysteries! This project will tie science to classic fairy tales and fables shared in students' homes. More information to come...