SANBORN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

KINGSTON, N.H.

SANBORN REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

COURSE OUTLINE: Project World

TEACHER: Mr. Gaudet ,

LENGTH OF COURSE: One or two semesters

OUTCOMES: The project will study the world in which we live through the sciences, politics, and the arts. A theme inspired by the movie "Powers of Ten" will be a core philosophy of the course. Students will be asked to start looking at local concerns and gradually move toward broader and broader issues. Students will take steps away from SRHS by "powers of ten" as they explore our local, national, international, and universal worlds.

An additional core philosophy will be the inclusion of other classes in the work being done in the class. Whole classes will dedicate a certain amount of time working on a related project. Students in Project World will help to coordinate these projects.

The outdoor education philosophy of team work and looking at one's own strengths and needs will run through the program. Several outdoor trips will be scheduled in order to emphasize this philosophy and to provide additional themes for student academic work.

Instructional Outcomes of the Project World:

Students will:

Wonder and ask important questions.
Find out answers to these questions through electronic, traditional, and primary sources.
Exhibit their learning to others through computer based presentations.
Learn to give and accept growth oriented feedback with other students.
Learn to be positively critical of their own work.

TEXTS: Research will be conducted through the following sources:

The internet
CD ROMs
Library journals and books
Interviews
Field Trips
Job Shadowing

COURSE CONTENT: The course will focus on the world and the Sanborn Learning Model. Through a system that includes contracts, checklists, peer feedback sheets, storyboards, and exhibitions students will use topics related to the wetland develop a deeper understanding about the physical world and the world of learning. Students will also learn publishing techniques. Students will plan and take part in trips into New Hampshire's wilderness areas.

COURSE ACTIVITIES: Project World will begin with a first quarter study of the Sanborn wetland. The wetland study will lead toward the development of the area as an outdoor classroom. Typical activities will include the following:

Students will research laws, environmental considerations, and aesthetic concerns to be included in the final decision as to how to preserve and develop our wetland.
As the year progresses, project students will be expected to publish information important to the development of the wetland. Such publications will include newspapers, the Sanborn website, the Sanborn cable channel.
In quarters 2 and 3, Project students will develop independent study projects within one of the three themes (the arts, sciences, or politics.) Each successive project should be a "power of ten" step away from previous projects.
In quarter 4 Project World students will propose and complete a culminating project that shows their growth in learning.

As part of the courses outdoor component students will attend several day and overnight trips. These trips are designed to develop teamwork skills necessary to successful functioning of the course. Students will also use these trips as inspirations for academic projects.

Particulars:

Two periods per day (6 & 7 to allow for trips to other sites and visitors to the class.)
Class open to 10,11,12 graders.
Students will earn a total of 2 credits:

1/2 EDP-A and 1/2 Journalism credit will be assigned
Students will earn 1 academic credit from among the following choices:

Science: Biology, Advanced Biology, Practical Biology, Microbiology,
Environmental Science
Social Studies:: NH History/Civics, Geography (A & B)
Art: Photography, Sculpture, Painting, Drawing, Commercial Design, Art History
Independent Study: in each discipline by permission only.

Academic credits will be earned according to assessment criteria developed using the state frameworks for each subject area.
Each student will work daily with a UNH intern to assist research and presentation efforts. Mr. Gaudet and Mrs. McAskill will serve as mentors to the entire class.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Students should be aware that planning and time management are important considerations in this type of class. Students should plan on spending outside of class time working on projects and research. Students will take part in our outdoor education program.

Each student in the course is required to have on file a signed Authentic Use Policy as suggested by our school district.

TECHNOLOGY: Computer technology available to students:

Hardware	Software
Macintosh 7200 computers	Microsoft Office
Flat bed scanners	Hyperstudio
Slide/negative scanner	Sound Edit 16
Digital cameras	Adobe Photoshop
Video cameras	Aldus Illustrator
Laser disk player	Adobe Pagemaker
VCR	Internet Explorer
Color printers	Netscape Communicator
Laser printer

METHODS OF EVALUATION: Students will present exhibitions to a panel made up of teachers, intern, and peers. Assessments sheets will be completed at this time and presented to the student. Through discussions with interns and a mentor teacher, quarter end grades will be determined based on growth toward quality standards.