Submitted by:
Sarah K. Smith
Instructional Resources Coordinator
Headquarters
University of St.Thomas World School
2115 Summit Avenue, Mail #CHC131
St. Paul, MN 55105 USA
v: (612)962-5640
f: (612)962-5645
e: sksmith@stthomas.edu
Categories:
Education, K12
Keywords:
Other (Educational and societal benefits)
The Story:
We go with all of you in your journey of hope. A mission of peace and life for our planet, A mission that is enduring and ever changing A journey of our dream
- Brandi Rushton
- Student at Riverside Middle School
- Saluda, SC USA
Can you imagine treking across the blistery frozen Arctic, exploring one of the most pristine regions of the world? Most of us will never live the excitement and danger of an Arctic Expedition, but nearly one hundred schools around the world will be sharing the adventure. No, these schools are not packing up equipment to head out for an Arctic journey, but they will experience all of the trials and tribulations, the joys and the wonder of Will Steger’s Arctic Expedition as communicated through the Internet.
The opening statement is a message of hope, one of many sent to the expedition team as they began this year’s training expedition. Students from around the globe participated in an on-line “write-around” to launch the second year of the International Arctic Project.
The International Arctic Project engages students, grades 4-12 worldwide, in an environmental education program that focuses on the Arctic as a laboratory for testing principles of environmental responsibility. The project features unique interdisciplinary studies and electronic communications tied to an inspiring even-an international dog sled expedition led by explorer Will Steger across the Arctic Ocean. Students study Arctic eco systems and cultures while they also conduct parallel studies and adventures in their own schools and communities. Each school joins a circle of schools worldwide that conduct similar local studies. The adventure in the Arctic helps students stretch what they’ve learned locally to the region of the planet considered to be a prime indicator of global environmental health.
The Arctic Expedition serves as the premier adventure of the Consortium for Adventure Learning, consisting of the Indiana University Center for Excellence in Education, Expeditions Unlimited, Inc., MECC, the Hamline University Center for Global Environmental Education, and the University of St. Thomas World School. The World School coordinates an environmental education program based on adventurous learning connected to inspiring, real time events. The program is designed to create and sustain an ever-growing, permanent global telecommunications network of schools for on-going, interactive environmental studies.
The worldwide Internet links schools by an electronic communications network, making the World School’s global community of environmental education possible. Students not only communicate with explorers and experts on environmental studies, but also with each other in a worldwide exchange of concerns and ideas. “Students now all are discovering that other students are more like them than unlike them,” says Paula Andrzejewski a teacher at Rice Lake Elementary School in Lino Lakes, Minnesota.
Teachers have valued the World School’s program. Says Ulrich Jordan, a teacher at Erich-Kaestner Gesamtschule in Hamburg, Germany, “…the point of establishing a durable network of schools involved in environmental projects has been praised by both the old hands and teachers new to the (World School’s) project.”
The innovation that connects adventurous exploration to learning and imagination benefits education and society. In effect, the World School provides students with experience in problem solving and research to save the earth from environmental destruction. The World School and the Internet are helping to make education come alive!