Classrooms without walls

Students will investigate marble and granite and hypothesize as to the effect of weathering over time. They will visit the cemetery, photograph the gravestones to prove or disprove their hypotheses.This stimulates their natural curiosity and encouragedsexploration of scientific phenomena that occurs in the world around them.

Students will collect data on gravestones and use technology to create graphs to discover trends specifically of child mortality. The graphs appeal to the visual learner’s strength which increases the likelihood that they will become involved in the learning. The information prompts an internet search to discover reasons for these patterns which in turn creates awareness that their community is part of a larger community and as such is vulnerable to the impact of global issues such as pandemics and medical breakthroughs. This gives real world meaning to their learning.

Students will photograph gravestones and discover trends of grave markers over periods of time.

Students will present these findings as powerpoint presentations, newsletters or brochures using photographs taken at the cemetery, Students learn process and problem solving skills while extending their knowledge of the community and their heritage and how this relates to their place in the world. By using appropriate technological resources, the expectation is that the students will become confident and competent in their use and ultimately become scientifically and technologically literate