All grades  Project 2 weeks

"Sail-Away Navigation Adventure"

Katherine J
HS-ESS1-4
2-ESS2-1
HS-PS4-5
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to immerse students in the practical world of sailing navigation, where they apply scientific principles and mathematical concepts to real-world challenges. Through hands-on activities and collaborative projects, students will develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and self-directed learning habits. This project fosters a sense of identity and community, encouraging students to reflect on their learning journey and celebrate their achievements with peers and community partners.

Learning goals

Students will develop proficiency in reading nautical charts and using compasses to plot courses, integrating geography and math skills. They will explore the physics of sailing, including wind patterns and sail dynamics, through hands-on experimentation with model sailboats. Students will enhance their technology literacy by using digital navigation tools and GPS apps to plot waypoints and estimate travel times. They will engage in self-directed learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving by reflecting on their navigation strategies and incorporating feedback from peers and community partners. Through these activities, students will build a sense of identity and belonging while applying mathematical concepts to real-world sailing challenges.
Standards
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] HS-ESS1-4 - Use mathematical or computational representations to predict the motion of orbiting objects in the solar system.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] 2-ESS2-1 - Compare multiple solutions designed to slow or prevent wind or water from changing the shape of the land.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] HS-PS4-5 - Communicate technical information about how some technological devices use the principles of wave behavior and wave interactions with matter to transmit and capture information and energy.
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 detailed sailing logs documenting their navigation strategies, reflections, and learning progress. They will also develop multimedia presentations or journal entries capturing their sailing journey, highlighting both academic and socio-emotional growth. Additionally, students will design and execute a mini-regatta, showcasing their navigation skills and strategic planning. The final exhibition will include a 'Community Regatta Day,' where students demonstrate their sailing competencies and celebrate their achievements with peers and community partners.

Launch

To kick off the sailing navigation project, students will embark on a 'Chart Your Course Adventure.' They will collaborate in teams to plot their sailing routes using waypoints on a GPS app, estimate travel times using speed-distance-time equations, and sail as a fleet to a common destination. Each team will navigate to their designated waypoints, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills while providing an exciting and hands-on introduction to the project.

Exhibition

Host a 'Community Regatta Day' where students showcase their sailing navigation skills in a mini-regatta, inviting family members and Animas High School representatives to cheer them on. Each student team will present their plotted courses, strategies, and reflections, offering insights into their learning journey. The event will include interactive stations where students demonstrate their understanding of nautical charts, compass use, and digital navigation tools, fostering a community celebration of their achievements.