Session 4 Signature Learning Experiences
Quest
Mid-Action Review
This session’s Quest will focus on Mid Action Reviews, or MARs. The Mid Action Review process will allow learners to use their reflection and evaluation skills to quantify what they have accomplished so far this school year, and which of their goals they have yet to meet. They will put together presentations based on the 4 questions used by the military and business professional for a mid-action review: 1. What did I set out to do? 2. What actually happened? 3. Why is there a difference between them? 4. What should I continue, and what should I change? They will present their MARs for their Parents, Dream Teams, and Guide, to share their badge plan progress and receive completed badges. This Quest is the perfect opportunity for learners to reset their goals and go into the new calendar year with a fresh perspective.
elementary story arts
Memoirs
In the spirit of reflecting, it only seems befitting for the learners to create a biography about their personal experiences! Learners will write a collection of short stories from their lives that, when put together, create a memoir. In this short Session, they will complete the steps in the writing process: pre-write, draft, revise, edit, and publish. Most importantly, they will increase their ability to provide specific and quality feedback to one another by using the ARMS and CUPS methods.
elementary civilization
Asia
The Elementary learners' alien scientist has journeyed to Asia! During this brief Session, they will discover and explore the interwoven cultures of 3 major civilizations in Asia: India, Japan, and China during the early years of history. Although Asia includes many more significant locations, these three places are just a great grounding point for our work this Session.
middle school story arts
Writing for TV
Our Story Arts badge in Session 4 will be Writing for TV. In this Story Arts, learners will go through the process of writing a screenplay. Their screenplay will be their audition for a 15 minute pilot episode of a new show a major network is hiring writers for. Learners will look to world class examples of screenplays from popular sitcoms as a guide for their own writing and formatting for their screenplay. With the help of actress Sarah Grace Drake, learners will consider what features of a screenplay are crucial to the success of directors, actors, and other stakeholders during filming and production.
middle school civilization
Renaissance
The Civilization badge in Session 4 is The Renaissance badge. During this short, three week session, learners will complete a self-directed project of their choice based on a Renaissance related topic or theme like Galileo’s work in science, DaVinci & Michelangelo’s art, or fashion and style during the Renaissance. Learners can choose a project from a choice board, or pitch their own idea! Ultimately, learners will delve deep into their Renaissance topic, researching and gathering information, and will create a beautiful work that demonstrates their knowledge and understanding of their topic in a creative way!
high school story arts
Creative Writing
This brief Story Arts session is a crash course in Creative Writing. Learners will be introduced to world class examples of poetry, short stories, and personal narratives, and will be given the opportunity to try their hand at these creative writing mediums. The Creative Writing unit will give learners the chance to flex their creativity, and practice their spelling, grammar, and written expression skills in new formats. The hope is that all learners will leave this Story Arts unit with a deeper understanding of their own creative voice, as well as the courage to take creative risks with their writing.
high school civilization
Freedom of Speech
Session 4’s Civilization unit is focused on Freedom of Speech; what does freedom of speech mean? Where in the world is freedom of speech granted? Who has the final say in what freedom even looks like? What is the difference between free speech and hate speech? All of these questions and more will be explored through historical and contemporary contexts. Learner challenges will provide them with the opportunity to clearly articulate their opinions and reasoning in written and verbal formats.