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All grades  Project 5 weeks

Idaho Falls: Building Futures, Crafting Connections

Ashley B
HS-ESS3-1
HS-ESS3-2
HS-ESS3-3
HS-ESS3-4
HS-ESS3-5
+ 4 more
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Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to engage students in a comprehensive exploration of Idaho Falls' growth and prosperity by integrating historical, ecological, and economic perspectives. Through hands-on projects and interdisciplinary activities, students will investigate the role of natural resources and local leadership in shaping the community's development. This project aims to foster critical thinking, self-directed learning, and problem-solving skills as students analyze past and present factors influencing Idaho Falls and propose sustainable solutions for its future.

Learning goals

Students will investigate the historical and current factors contributing to the growth of Idaho Falls, focusing on the role of natural resources. They will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by designing sustainable solutions to local ecological issues using their trade skills. Through reflective journaling and peer collaboration, students will enhance self-directed learning and academic mindset, establishing a sense of identity and belonging. They will synthesize insights from ELA, government, and science to create interactive notebooks and community presentations, demonstrating their understanding of Idaho Falls' economic and environmental development.
Standards
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] HS-ESS3-1 - Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the availability of natural resources, occurrence of natural hazards, and changes in climate have influenced human activity.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] HS-ESS3-2 - Evaluate competing design solutions for developing, managing, and utilizing energy and mineral resources based on cost-benefit ratios.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] HS-ESS3-3 - Create a computational simulation to illustrate the relationships among management of natural resources, the sustainability of human populations, and biodiversity.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] HS-ESS3-4 - Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] HS-ESS3-5 - Analyze geoscience data and the results from global climate models to make an evidence-based forecast of the current rate of global or regional climate change and associated future impacts to Earth systems.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] HS-ESS3-6 - Use a computational representation to illustrate the relationships among Earth systems and how those relationships are being modified due to human activity.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will create a 'Time Traveler's Journal' that documents their exploration of Idaho Falls' past and present, integrating insights from ELA, government, and science. They will also develop a 'Natural Resources Impact Map' to visually represent the influence of local resources on the town's growth. Additionally, students will construct a 'Community Eco-Solution' prototype using their trade skills to propose an innovative solution to a local ecological issue, demonstrating practical applications of their learning.

Launch

Kick off the project with a "Time Traveler's Day" where students dress up as historical figures from Idaho Falls and participate in a guided exploration of a simulated historical town square. Introduce the "Time Traveler's Journal" interactive notebook, encouraging students to record observations and questions about the town's past and present. This immersive experience will set the stage for their investigation into the economic growth and natural resource impact on Idaho Falls, sparking curiosity and engagement.

Exhibition

Students will host a community event where they present their 'Natural Resources Impact Map' and 'Community Eco-Solution' prototypes. Each student will have a booth showcasing their interactive notebooks, small-scale projects, and reflective journals. Attendees, including peers, family members, and local leaders, will engage with students to discuss their findings and proposed solutions, fostering a dialogue about the sustainable future of Idaho Falls.