Overview

We have entered a new frontier for education. Technology has brought facts and information to the palm of our hand with the touch of a button. Teachers no longer need to be the bearers of information, but rather the coaches of learning. In this class, your instructor will be helping you develop the skills you need to acquire knowledge and learn to solve authentic problems in our environment (local and global). Throughout the year students will be guided through the cycle of inquiry and design thinking using their own interests to drive their personal skill development. Students will learn the skills that will help them become citizens of the world in an environment focused on growth rather than grades.

Goals

Growth in the following skills:

• Character: integrity, wise use of time & resources, perseverance & responsibility, respects others work & time

• Collaboration: utilizing peers, mentor, and instructor to test their ideas & improve their work

• Communication: Presents information in a clear, effective, & logical manner

• Community: Promoting a healthy learning environment, assisting & providing feedback to peers

• Critical Thinking: Evaluating sources, synthesizing information, developing realistic goals & plans, problem-solving & learning from mistakes

• Curiosity: Developing inquiry skills & conducting thorough research

Course Outline

Quarter 1: Community Building & Inquiry Process

Quarter 2: Egg Drop Challenge, Intro to Design Thinking & Begin Dalton Problems: Dalton Solutions Project

Quarter 3: Finish Dalton Problems: Dalton Solutions Project, Begin Shark Tank Project

Quarter 4: Finish & Present Shark Tank Project at Community Showcase Event.

Evaluation

Students will be evaluated on the following learner outcome categories:

• Character, Collaboration, Communication, Community, Critical Thinking, Curiosity

Students will self-assess their proficiency in each of these categories at the beginning, middle, and end of the year. Their coach and mentors will also assess students during the middle and end of the year. Students will also be self-assessing & reflecting on their learning progress each class, including a self-reflection included in their semester report cards. Students will receive either a Pass or Fail for the class in Powerschool each quarter. If a student passes three or more quarters, they will pass the class for the year. If they fail two or more quarters, they will fail the class for the year. This will be determined by a combination of effort, growth, and achievement.

General Course Expectations

As a student, I should...

• Choose projects I have genuine interest in!!

• GIVE MY BEST - Always. (This is all we can ask)

• Keep my SDL Website Updated!

• Communicate my needs. Be PROACTIVE!

• Take Responsibility for my…

  • learning

  • action/inaction

• Encourage Others & Be Helpful