Project At A Glance
Author:
Aaron Commerson, Nicole Tempel
Grade level, subjects:
9th grade humanities and math/science
Essential questions:
Are we and our technologies a product of our ancestors? How did ancient technologies shape and change cultures?
Duration:
Approximately 3 months
Description:
Working from a machine or invention in present-day use, each student chooses and researches one integral part that existed before 1400 C.E. Students produce original videos documenting their findings.
CA standards/domains:
Physics, history, language arts
Assessments:
Checklists to monitor progress; rubrics to assess rough cuts and finished videos.
About the Authors
Aaron Commerson has taought for six years in four high schools varying from small private schools, with 15-18 students per class, to large public schools, with upwards of 30 students per class. He holds a B.S. in physics and a single subject teaching credential in physics.
Nicole Tempel, who is originally from Germany, taught in five different countries, including Germany, Brazil and Mexico, before finding her way to High Tech High. She taught in San Diego for three years at private and public high schools and universities. Nicole has a Master's degree in Education, with a specialty in Literacy, and a Master's in Education Leadership.