Case StudiesCase Studies have the elements of being interdisciplinary and tie together science, social studies, reading, writing, and often data analysis. They are project based, and are relevant to our lives and the world we live in. The projects have an authentic audience, so we strive for the highest quality work. Below are our three case studies for the year. Each case study lasts for about three months with a culminating activity for each case study.
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Our Case Studies
Fall
How do the different Spheres within Ecosystems Interact
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We look at how the four spheres of nature (biosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere) interact and affect each other. We use a geographic lens to look at these interactions across the western hemisphere. We also read about how the Indigenous People of these continents adapted to the ecosystem they lived in.
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Winter
What were the Effects of European Exploration on Ancient Civilizations?
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We study and learn about the ancient civilizations of South and Central America: Maya, Inca and Aztec. We also learn what drove the European nations to want to explore the "New World." We analyze what the ramifications of that exploration were for the Indigenous People and us today and learn to apply lessons
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Spring
Why are decomposers
necessary in our world?
We learn more about ecosystems predominately the biosphere in this case study. We look at the life cycle and how that is affected by each of the stages and components, starting with the sun and moving through the phases until decomposers. We also experiment with how decomposers interact with their environment and the effects of their process.
THE DETAILS ARE IN THE DESIGN
This is just a small slice of what it is that we do in a case study.