Map Quest: Exploring Human Connections

10th, 11th, 12th Grades Project 2 weeks

Map Quest: Exploring Human Connections

Alex D

F-BF.B.5

MIII.A-SSE.A.2

PC.F-BF.B.5

A-APR.D.7

P.M.P.05

+ 5 more

1-pager

The Challenge

Young adults in the Berkshires face significant obstacles in securing sustainable employment due to the region's economic dependence on seasonal industries and limited diversification. This challenge impacts the area's ability to retain talent and support long-term economic growth, highlighting the need for innovative strategies to diversify the local economy.

Challenge Question

How can young adults in the Berkshires leverage their unique skills and resources to create sustainable employment opportunities in a region with limited economic diversification and a reliance on seasonal industries?

Standards

[Massachusetts] F-BF.B.5 - Understand the inverse relationship between exponents and logarithms and use this relationship to solve problems involving logarithms and exponents.
[Massachusetts] MIII.A-SSE.A.2 - Use the structure of an expression to identify ways to rewrite it.
[Massachusetts] PC.F-BF.B.5 - Understand the inverse relationship between exponents and logarithms and use this relationship to solve problems involving logarithms and exponents.
[Massachusetts] A-APR.D.7 - Understand that rational expressions form a system analogous to the rational numbers, closed under addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division by a nonzero rational expression; add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational expressions.
[Massachusetts] P.M.P.05 - Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation. Perform with accuracy and expression works from the vocal or instrumental literature with a level of difficulty of 4, on a scale of 1 to 6; or a comparable scale.

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.
Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.

Learning Partners and Clients

Engage with local businesses and entrepreneurs in the Berkshires to provide students with hands-on experiences in understanding the challenges and opportunities of sustaining businesses in a seasonal economy.

Phase Outcomes

Phase	Learning Outcome
Discover	I can identify the challenges faced by young adults in the Berkshires and understand the root causes through immersive activities that spark curiosity and conviction about the problem.
Examine	I can research the economic and social factors affecting sustainable employment opportunities in the Berkshires, using data analysis and interviews to deepen my understanding of the issue.
Engineer	I can develop a business plan or marketing strategy that addresses the employment challenges in the Berkshires, ensuring my solution is practical and impactful.
Do	I can implement my solution by testing its effectiveness in real-world scenarios, collecting data to refine my approach and validate my ideas.
Share	I can share my project and personal growth journey with the community through engaging presentations, highlighting the impact of my work and what I learned about myself.