Like snowflakes, all students are unique. Adventure learning is a concept that is specifically geared to learners who might need stimulation beyond the traditional classroom. Working with families and individual students, a specific outing is planned that will incorporate multidiscipline learning, while still adhering to national standards or meeting a specific instructional goal.
The Rhine River Castle Road excursion is one example of an exciting learning opportunity that weaves together the strands of science, technology, geography, economics, history, language arts, fine arts, sociology, and digital imaging, as well as enjoying the sensory delight of one of the world’s Earth Heritage sites. Scientific concepts will include the production of steel during the middle ages, along with the science of wine-making. Technology will look at the way castles were constructed, and investigate the trebuchet (a medieval siege engine with a sling attached to a wooden arm for hurling large stones to breech castle walls). This is particularly fun during the autumn, when models can be constructed for “punkin chunkin” competitions. Fall colors and plant life cycles can add to the science component.
We’ll explore the science behind castle building as well as the history of medieval knights, the rules of chivalry, and the legends surrounding the period, such as King Arthur. What was it like to live in a castle? How are weapons made? Perhaps, together we can plan and produce a feast for friends and family (no forks, of course). Through the lens of economics, students will explore the robber barons, and the manner in which rivers were essential to trade during the period.
This particular escapade (learning unit) begins with an examination of specific websites to aid students in gaining prior knowledge before the trip. There may be video viewing or reading beforehand, as well, to prepare for the exploration. Mythology, music and story-telling will also be looked at. A comparison will be made of the story of the Lorelei found on the Rhine with other Sirens of mythology.
A plethora of post-adventure activities are feasible. Students may create a PowerPoint presentation of heraldry or take a medieval story and update it for modern times. Using Internet links and technology, learners can create a medieval desktop theme or wall saver. [Click on the knight icon to the left to download a zip file of a desktop theme set entitled "Chivalry"] Model castles can be built or a song written for a medieval musical instrument. Students will also use a digital camera and learn to manipulate and improve on the photos taken—a travel brochure will be made featuring the learner’s own pictures, incorporating a number of graphics software. One particular fun exercise is to watch a movie, such as Ivanhoe, and critique the language, costumes, heraldry, and customs shown on screen. The possibilities are truly endless, and can be created to meet any academic goal.
These investigations are open to families or can be arranged with small groups of students. Learners will stay in a gasthaus overnight, and dine locally. Excursions may include bike rides, hikes or river cruises—these are designed in collaboration with parents, in advance of the adventure.
Other venture learning experiences include the Vikings, Roman Trier, the Holy Roman Empire, the Black Death (no dying required), Imperial Europe, Industrial Revolution, and much, much more. These are just a few of the possibilities open to all while living in Europe. All assignments are planned in consultation with parents and teachers prior to the outing, and can be differently designed to meet individual learning needs and styles.
Have an idea for an adventure? Feel free to contact me and we can design a curriculum that will result in an ultimate learning voyage. Trips may be for a day, overnight, or for a number of days and nights. All expeditions are individualized, using the Blooming Smarts Planning Matrix, which can be viewed by clicking on the griffin icon, located to the immediate right.
If you have a reluctant student or a child with a learning disability or particular perequisite, this type of experience may be the avenue that brings him or her back to learning. Think of Adventure Learning as education on steroids!
