Saving the world could be a powerful way to get students involved in deep thinking. And getting students’ voices heard has been a primary focus for educators involved in changing schools for quite a while now.
In an initiative to model the use of inquiry- based lessons with 21st century skills delivery, our Year Two PLPeeps plan to achieve this goal through the development of Student Advisory Teams, who will work alongside their teachers.
Kevin Honeycutt, the Community Leader for our Year Two folks created the project with the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center. Together, they’ve planned for students to figure out how to save the world from an impending asteroid strike, one set to demolish Earth in 365 days.
“As the students work, the clock is always ticking,” said Kevin. “They will learn how fast it is moving, when it is supposed to collide…using math skills and physics, depending on what grade level and how deep the teacher wants to go–lots of variables.”
“This could actually happen,” said Kevin. “And who is to say one of their plans isn’t the plan to save us all? The reality is this is authentic learning.”
The students and teachers will participate in four Elluminate sessions, sharing their work and discussing the progress.
The Peeps are currently looking for students who show creativity and leadership to step up to the challenge.
Kevin will be reaching out to the “eduverse” in hopes of drawing in others to assist the teams. Plus he has lined up researchers and scientists from NASA and the museum to help.
Saving the world: as Kevin said, why shouldn’t their work be a part of the whole body of knowledge?
Susan Carter Morgan
Latest posts by Susan Carter Morgan (see all)
- PLP's Australia Community Gears Up for Culminating with Incredible Projects - November 22, 2011
- It's Time to Learn - August 25, 2011
- Come On, Flip Out. You Know You Want To! - July 27, 2011
This is a great program and is similar to what we have been doing (when I saw we I mean my students). Check it out and if you are interested in collaborating with us send a message.
http://itsourturnnow.blogspot.com/