Overview

Because of the awareness students have realized through various course themes, they have an understanding that entrepreneurs develop ideas and solutions based on problems or pain points. They are using this understanding to create and pitch business concepts.

Project Initiation

We visited Tijuana Estuary for our project launch. Here, we learned about the environmental issues and impact of a border region, including shared water, wildlife, and people. This gave students an opportunity to work together and connect with industry experts, as well as Senator Denise Moreno Ducheny, who was the representative of this border region, and she emphasized the benefits of being bilingual and understanding one’s community.

Project Exploration and Development

Students learned how to adapt and persevere throughout the evolution of this project. Our goal pivoted from a sustainability focus to community and self awareness. Due to unexpected staffing changes, we went from a biology/culinary focus to a humanities/business one. We continued to encourage an understanding of the community with field trips to UCSD, SDGE, Birch Aquarium, and Biolab, as well as mentorship from AOF and UCSD mentors. Students are reflecting on these experiences as they merge their previous knowledge with their current work to develop business concepts. Project development also included interdisciplinary unit themes in Ethnic Studies and English before Covid-19. Once SDUSD moved to a distance learning model, cross-curricular teaching and learning also included business.

Project Revision and Exhibition

Students regularly use their online learning platforms for reflection. This is a practice they started while we were at school and have amped up since we’ve moved to a distance learning model. Students will now be creating elevator pitches and examining the qualities of an entrepreneurial mindset, which they will share via video.

Teachers and Subjects

Christine Summers - Ethnic Studies
Barbara Magoffin - English
Elena Brisard and Jennifer Pickering - Business 100

Presentation of Learning