Models of Excellence

Play The Game

Grade(s):

12

In an “Introduction to Rhetoric” unit, Seniors at WHEELS studied various commencement and convocation speeches and wrote rhetorical analysis essays around the essential question, “How can words compel action?”  Then, using a newly acquired rhetorical toolkit, students crafted motivational speeches for incoming ninth grade students at WHEELS.

Don't Ever Give Up!

Grade(s):

12

In an “Introduction to Rhetoric” unit, Seniors at WHEELS studied various commencement and convocation speeches and wrote rhetorical analysis essays around the essential question, “How can words compel action?”  Then, using a newly acquired rhetorical toolkit, students crafted motivational speeches for incoming ninth grade students at WHEELS.

Rocks, Gems, and Minerals

Grade(s):

2, 3

Second and third-grade students at Rocky Mountains School of Expeditionary Learning produced this beautiful hardcover field guide as a result of their learning during their first expedition at RMSEL.

I Can Help

Grade(s):

7

The 7th Graders remind us that you don't have to stay silent when you see people being "othered." They give us all specific suggestions about how we can help.

Tendríamos Asistencia Perfecta: Attendance Would Be 100%

Grade(s):

12

This book is the product of a yearlong senior expedition on high school redesign from the first graduating class of the only dual-language high school in Massachusetts.

Utah: By Kids, For Kids

Grade(s):

6, 7, 8

Students at Venture Academy in Marriott-Slaterville, Utah created this book to introduce their state to children using self-selected topics from a pre-approved list. Students were required to write a research paper on their topic to become an expert.

Highland Ranch History Still Lives: A Children’s Tour of the Highlands Ranch Mansion

Grade(s):

2

After touring the Highlands Ranch Mansion,second-grade students at Fox Creek Elementary School in Highlands Ranch, Colorado collaborated with others to create a paragraph about a room in the mansion.

Garden ABC's

Grade(s):

K

Kindergarten students at Tollgate Elementary in Aurora, Colorado participated in a year-long expedition focusing on plants, soil, worms and gardens.

Portneuf River Watersheds

Grade(s):

5, 6

Fifth and sixth-grade students from Pocatello Community Charter School in Pocatello, Idaho created a topographic representation of the environmental impact of the Portneuf River watershed to educate the public at their Environmental Fair.

A Kids' Guide to California National Parks

Grade(s):

2

Second-grade students at Big Pine Elementary School in Big Pine California created this beautiful and useful guide to the vast array of National Parks found in California. The book is geared especially towards kids.