Project Based
Some examples of interdisciplinary projects at Ventura Charter School have included:
Kindergarten Habitat Project: Kindergartners began with a study of the Backyard Habitat. From there they moved on to study four different Habitat environments: Ocean, Desert, Rain Forest and Arctic. Students were put into crews and did research on the following areas of their habitat: soil, water, climate, geography, flora and fauna. Students completed a habitat book and took several field trips related to the project. (Santa Barbara Natural History Museum, Ty Warner Sea Center, and the Ojai Meadow Preserve). Students worked to create a trail guide for the Ojai Meadow Preserve for children--written and illustrated by the Kindergarten students of VCS.
For the next phase of the project, students chose an animal from their assigned habitat. They then began researching the animal and worked on completing a book that focused on: a description of the animal, what it eats, who it's predators are, and fun facts about their animal. Students then created a diorama of their animal in its natural habitat. The diorama included their animal, a food source, a water source and shelter. Students had an exhibit of their Habitat projects and invited parents and other classes to come and tour their exhibit. In 2015, Kindergarten students also worked to make the VCS butterfly garden a certified habitat from the National Wildlife Federation. One class created a bird bath for the butterfly garden and the other class created insect hotels.
Third and Fourth Grade S/Hero Project: Exploring the history and social science standard of American heroes, each student chose one to learn about in detail. They researched their hero, designed a costume s/he would have worn with props, and prepared a 60 second speech about his/her life. The culmination of the project was a "Museum Alive" evening. In the school courtyard at night, lit only by luminarias, the students posed frozen in character and costume. When a visitor came by and touched them, they became alive for 60 seconds to deliver their prepared speeches.
Fifth and Sixth Grade Who Discovered America? : In learning about the early explorations of the Americas, each student chose an explorer to study. Taking the role of different explorers (there were many), the students hosted a lively mock debate where the audience took notes and at the end, participated in a discussion of what "discovered" means. The audience voted on the explorer with the most convincing argument claiming the honor of being the one who truly discovered America.
Middle School We the People Expedition: In this expedition students explored the guiding question: How have Americans utilized the promises, opportunities, and ideals of our founding documents to ensure justice and liberty for all? In the first case study, students studied and analyzed the founding documents. They participated in experiential learning activities to uncover the key principles on which the country was founded. In a second case study, students deepened their understanding of the role of The People in our government. They researched a group of Americans that used these documents and principles to fight for the rights others were granted. In the final case study, students designed and curated museums dedicated to the groups they studied. Finally, students presented their work to an authentic audience. Past museums have showcased learning about the LGBTQIA+, Indigenous and Chicano, and Women’s Rights Movements.
