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9th Grade  Project 3 weeks

EcoQuest: Mission Sustainable Progress!

Lori O
Updated
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Collaboration
Effective Communication
Content Expertise
Self Directed Learning
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Purpose

The purpose of the learning experience is to engage 9th-grade students in a project that challenges them to investigate the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals by focusing on their individual and community-wide roles. Over three weeks, students will collaboratively design and present innovative solutions to overcome barriers to sustainability through research, multimedia projects, and peer-led presentations. This project emphasizes development in critical thinking, effective communication, and collaboration, equipping students with the skills to address real-world challenges using a hands-on approach.

Learning goals

Students will build competencies in critical thinking by analyzing the sustainable development goals and exploring innovative solutions to overcome barriers. They will enhance their collaboration skills through co-designing projects with peers, engaging in shared decision-making, and resolving conflicts. Communication skills will be strengthened as students practice empathetic listening, present findings to stakeholders, and reflect on their project's impact. Students will apply content expertise by researching global case studies to understand successful sustainable community actions. Self-directed learning will be encouraged as students reflect on feedback and monitor their progress throughout the project.

Competencies
  • 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.
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • 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.

Products

Students will collaborate to design multimedia presentations or marketing campaigns that highlight innovative solutions to sustainability challenges. Throughout the project, they will construct dioramas that visually represent key actions and interventions from case studies of successful sustainable communities. By the end, each student team will have developed a comprehensive project demonstrating their understanding of sustainable development goals, culminating in an interactive exhibit at the 'Sustainable Solutions Expo.'

Launch

Exhibition

Students will culminate their project by participating in the 'Sustainable Solutions Expo,' where they showcase their innovative ideas to address barriers to sustainability. This event will feature interactive influencer-style presentations that engage attendees in sustainable strategies and community solutions, allowing students to demonstrate their mastery of sustainable development concepts. Attendees, including peers, teachers, and community members, will cast votes to recognize the most impactful projects, providing students with real-time feedback and recognition for their efforts and learning experiences.