Students Get Involved in Current Events through Project-Based Learning

TL;DR

ASCEND School in Oakland, California uses expeditionary learning to engage students in deep inquiry and address social issues.

Transcript

Today we're going to start our study of nuclear weapons and atoms and chemistry by giving a little context to why some of this science-y stuff is important to study about. >>Narrator: A bold experiment in education is under way at ASCEND School in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland, California. >>So, I'd like you to write down your feelings an... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤔 ASCEND School focuses on providing education that challenges and pushes students to think critically.
• 👻 Expeditionary learning allows students to delve deeply into a subject, making learning more engaging and meaningful.
• 🤔 The curriculum at ASCEND School addresses social issues and encourages students to think about the world beyond their immediate surroundings.
• 🥋 The integration of art forms allows for creative expression and a deeper understanding of the topics being studied.
• 🧑‍🎓 Students at ASCEND School develop empathy and a sense of social responsibility through their exploration of global issues.
• 👪 The school encourages parent involvement and emphasizes that parents have the power to make a difference in their children's education.
• ✊ The students at ASCEND School act as change-makers, using their voices and power to raise awareness and advocate for important causes.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the goal of ASCEND School's curriculum?

ASCEND School aims to push students out of their comfort zones, encourage critical thinking, and provide a quality education.

Q: How does ASCEND School implement expeditionary learning?

Twice a year, students work with their teachers to choose a topic of deep inquiry, integrating different subjects and expressing their learning through art forms.

Q: What topics did the seventh-graders at ASCEND explore?

The seventh-graders studied the impact of AIDS and the war in Iraq, including meeting HIV-positive individuals and having email pen pals in Baghdad.

Q: How did the students at ASCEND express their feelings about the war?

The students organized a peaceful protest, created posters, and joined marches to express their feelings and raise awareness about the impact of war on children.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• ASCEND School in Oakland, California is a K-8 school that aims to provide quality education by pushing students out of their comfort zones and encouraging critical thinking.

• The school uses expeditionary learning, where students delve deeply into a single subject, integrating math, science, and English studies, and express themselves through various art forms.

• Seventh-graders at ASCEND explored the impact of AIDS and studied the war in Iraq, including having email pen pals in Baghdad, to gain a better understanding of global issues.