successfully rehearse and perform it well in less than four hours? 96 students in small chamber groups collaborated on a teacher-selected piece, focusing on individual and group strategies to produce an accurate, expressive musical performance. Improvement in all areas in all classes was observed.
6. Creating a Writers’ Community – Melissa Thompson, Kathy Churchill, Jan Eggers , and Cindy DeSousa (Bentley Elementary) Why should I tell my story and what impact does it have on my community and me? 358 high school students worked with an elementary and/or college partner, creating writing pieces from concept to publication, using a wide variety of mediums. For high school students working with 2nd graders, nearly every children’s book was completed.
7. Ecology: Human Impact on the Environment – Kathy Mihelick , Danielle Ramos
How do humans impact the environment in which they live? 28 departmentalized special education students along with co-taught or general education Biology students studied the environment and humans impact. Students achieved MMC standards with completion of a Human Impact on the Environment Children’s Book.
8. Human Services/Food Services Exploration – Lisa Benages, Cathy Dobias What skills and knowledge do I need to be successful in the community? 65 general education and special needs students partnered to learn skills including shopping, appropriate behaviors, and personal safety in various settings. Eight field trips to community locations were completed. While special needs students with special needs improved independent living skills, general ed students improved their understanding of students with disabilities.
that Spanish can be useful, while senior citizens felt important and appreciated.
10. Storytelling Through Interactive Media Design – James Lockwood (Starkweather HS), Jason Kaye (Pioneeer MS)
Can student-designed video games improve literacy? How does the development of short fiction compare with creating an original video game? 50 alternative education high school and middle school students created video games and produced a documentary about students in an alternative school setting. The games and documentary will be used to gain support in our community and promote our district.
11. Understanding and Publishing Original Graphic Stories – Barrie Lincourt, Michelle Davies How do graphic novels reflect the thoughts/values of society in its historical context? 84 students created graphic novels or animations of original stories that reflect current events and social issues. Many students independently began experimenting with innovative techniques to improve their animation. As a result of student enthusiasm and success, a new English class may be developed.
12. Water Quality – Megan Fenech, Jennifer Groat, Cathy Zajaczkowski How are citizens affecting the Rouge River watershed, and what can we do to improve water quality? 120 students assessed the health of the Rouge River utilizing Vernier probes and graphing calculators and created an informative brochure. Collaborative groups designed and implemented studies of the river or created a multimedia public service announcement. All students were observed to be more engaged than with traditional instruction.
A team of students take samples as part of the Water Quality Project
This field trip to Kilwins was one of eight provided to develop social and consumer skills during the Human Services and Food Services Exploration project.”
9. Our World and Others – Kathleen Hunt What is life like for people who are different from me? 64 students communicated with Hispanics at a Detroit senior center, reported on them in Spanish, and reflected on the differences between the other person and themselves. Poorly motivated students found
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13. Wii Love Exercise! – Noreen Parker Does practice make perfect? 15 students selected an activity from the Wii Exercise/Sport program and charted their progress over time and presented their findings to the class in a style of their choice. A video documenting the project was created. Students who rarely exercised and struggled academically were able to meet content standards.
Winter 2010/11
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