Hi, I'm Karen Elaine!

From a love and liberatory perspective, 3rd grade learners wrote, edited and published a booklet to help others to be more inclusive. 

When learners see firsthand how impact is imagined, planned, and brought to life, they begin to understand that they, too, can be creators of change.

Convicton Corner submisson for the San Diego Area Writing Project

Culturally Inclusive Communities

Interdisciplinary California History Project. Discover how California's history provokes us to live our lives more inclusively. Through exploring how people are valued, researching how Natives lived sustainably off of the land, and being amazed at the inequities, mistreatment of people, and paradoxical excitement and beauty of California’s expansion, learners developed a critical lens for noticing perspectives. 3D models and Minecraft tours of 2 cultural communities combined into a dream of how we can do history better are displayed. You will see a blending of art, religion, land use, and innovation in multiple cultures that includes everyone. Come and try out our simulation of how erosion & climate affect house engineering and architecture planning! Finally, take an inclusivity quiz.

Colossal Question:

1. Are you inclusive?

2. Do you listen to people's stories and perspectives?

3. Are you able to notice the outliers in your work and lives and invite them?

Sustainable Car Project

Interdisciplinary Science research project

Students designed a car that showed the sustainable energy used for power.  They used graphic design to create a For Sale flyer displaying at least 2 renewable sources, 5-6 figure cost breakdown, check writing, and a written proposal sent to a car company.

Colossal Questions:

1. How can I design a car that improves our local and world environment?  

2. Does it cost more to create a world changing car?  Does it have to? 

Building a Relational Culture

Connect Time all school video clip for K-8th grades. Using music to teach the value of being open and vulnerable with each other. The power of recorded video in the classroom is fantastic.  Used in both on campus environments and in virtual school environments, video provides access to feelings and a chance to replay and watch again. 

American Indian Living

Interdisciplinary California Natives Project Colossal Questions:

• How did American Indians use natural resources to survive?

• How can we preserve the culture and history of the Kumeyaay and educate the public?

• What can we learn from the Kumeyaay lifestyle and culture that we can apply to our current lives for a more sustainable future? 

Name-tag Redesign

Interdisciplinary Learning Styles Project

Students redesigned a typical name plate using the Design Thinking Process to include what they researched as they identified and owned their learning style.  Auditory, Visual, Reading/Writing, or Kinesthetic! They've used these all year, and have become empowered to continue to advocate for HOW they learn.

K-8th Music Curiosity Class

I started a class for any age student to learn how to play notes, chords or beats on an instrument of their choice.  They learned how to add value in a band, write a song, record and perform It!  Guest experts joined us to help expose and teach students about sound equipment & recording.