Project Overview

1^st grade students at the Genesee Community Charter School, in Rochester, New York, created this book about the infrastructure of Rochester. As part of a three-month learning expedition, students researched and explored aspects of the physical operation of the city such as bridges, electricity, and water. The content depth of this learning expedition is far deeper than is typical for first grade students.

Students gathered information from multiple sources including city officials in charge of different aspects of infrastructure and city history, analyzing historical photographs and engaging in fieldwork with city experts at important infrastructure sites.

Students worked extensively with a local photographer to learn about the elements taking quality pictures.

Each entry was produced by a different student and includes original black and white photography accompanied by text. Student’s writing describes both the photograph of infrastructure and the reasons why he or she believes their picture demonstrates quality photography. The inclusion of a metacognitive aspect to the product – students reflecting on their process as part of the work itself – distinguishes the project in explicitly demonstrating student thinking.