During our years as educators, we have had the privilege of contributing to the development of numerous project-based learning modules.
Among our favorites are...
The Acrylic Cathedral
Emerging from a thematic unit centered around World War I and the birth of the Modern world, The Acrylic Cathedral stands as a remarkable testament to interdisciplinary exploration. This 6’ x 8’ x 10’ architectural marvel was conceptualized and constructed by students, made from an array of materials, including wood, polycarbonate sheets, cardboard, Sharpies, and metal leaf.
Antikythera Mechanism
In a captivating and immersive exploration, students embarked on a thrilling journey to harness the creative potential of LEGO and collaborative teamwork. Their ambitious goal was to meticulously recreate one of history's earliest computers, striving to achieve a fully functional replica.
Medieval Europe, Live!
Step into the vibrant tapestry of history with Medieval Europe, Live! - an immersive historical role-playing game that unfolds in the year 800 CE, on the momentous day of Charlemagne’s coronation as Holy Roman Emperor. In this captivating experience, students are not mere spectators but active participants, collaborating and occasionally competing with one another.
Mission to Mars
This sprawling endeavor encompasses everything from the construction of a large-scale space station to the cultivation of a hydroponic farm and the establishment of a robotics laboratory. The mission is meticulously designed to scrutinize the questions, confront the challenges, and embrace the opportunities that will inevitably accompany the establishment of a thriving human settlement on Mars.
“Welcome to Pennsylvania”: An Alternate Reality Game
An Alternate Reality Game (ARG) serves as an immersive storytelling journey, intricately woven through puzzles and challenges that progressively unveil deeper layers of the narrative. Born during the initial days of the pandemic quarantine, our class frequently sought refuge in the imagined haven of Refington, a charming Pennsylvania suburb embodying quintessential small-town charm. (And mystery.)
Galileo vs. The Catholic Church, 1616
Focusing on profound questions about science, religion, truth, and authority, students were transported to the 17th century to partake in the intellectual and political turbulence of Galileo Galilei's trial for heresy. Assuming the roles of historical figures, they explored the tension between empirical evidence and entrenched beliefs—a conflict resonating across the ages.