Explorations

Task 1: Background Information

Students will learn about explorations of the past on all 7 continents. Primary grades will focus on the explorers of each of the continents and Intermediate grades on the places and things those explorers found. Products will be varied, but all not only presenting information learned, but also the significance of the people, places, or things to us today.

Task 2:Cultural Exploration of Those Continents Today

Students will collaborate with students abroad to explore cultures other than their own. They will also depict their own American culture to their "sister" classes abroad. Products here will be collaborative projects and shared activities.

Task 3: Students will Identify a Common Problem and Develop A Response

After studying the continents and their cultures, both past and present, the Alpha class and their sister classes will identify common or similar problems and respond to them. This will involve leadership, stategic planning and risk taking.

All the above activities are based upon these Generalizations:

Exploration sees purpose and responds to it.
Exploration requires leadership, strategic planning, and risk taking.
Conflict may be intentional or unintentional.
Conflict is composed opposing forces and allows for change.

Students will learn about these generalizations both from their research and from experiencing them through the process of this study and in creating the products.

Other Tasks:

Captain's Blog- A Journal written by

Alpha Guides (Ask the Experts)- Collaboration with Brandeis' AP History Class and Taft Science Classes to help guide students through research

Alpha Man- 1st and 2nd grade students have written letters to relatives all over the world using the
Flat Stanley format to find out information about that continent.

Webcam videos- It is our desire to find individual people or classes to visit with via our webcam. If interested, contact pam.albrecht@nisd.net

See our Project Page as it Grows