Bryce Canyon
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"Hands-On Geography"
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Oman
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"10 Weeks in Asia"
This 11-week class, for 6th-9th graders, will explore our biggest, most populous continent. After the introductory week, we'll be learning about a different Asian country each week. The content is at an upper middle school/high school level, with a fair amount of (fun) homework weekly to support the games and activities during our meeting time. Prior geographic knowledge is welcome but not assumed. Excellent reading skills and the ability to work cooperatively are a must.
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New York City
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"Mission Possible: Global Issues, Leadership Choices"
This highly interactive 10-week class for middle school and high school students engages students in running the world they will inherit. As officials of imaginary countries, they will employ critical thinking skills, negotiation techniques, and problem solving methods to lead their people towards peace and prosperity. (Or will they?) Working individually and in teams, they will decide when to cooperate and when to compete, when to bargain and when to take a stand, how systems are interrelated and how to adjust to life’s surprises. Short readings in political science, international affairs, people management, current events, moral philosophy, and economics provide discussion points and context for the simulation. Readings will vary with the age range and specifics of the simulation.
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New York City
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"Your Future World"
This 11-week class, for 8th-12th graders, will focus on the physical, cultural, historical, political, and economic geography of the 10 countries that the U.N. has forecast to be the world's most populous in the year 2050. After all, that is the world in which our kids will live. The content is at a high level with a fair amount of (fun) homework weekly to support the games and activities during our meeting time. Prior geographic knowledge is helpful but not assumed. Excellent reading skills (high school+ level) and the ability to work cooperatively are a must.
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Taormina
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"Philosophically Speaking"
Philosophy is not about finding life’s answers. It’s about considering life’s questions. This 10-week discussion-based class, for 8th-12th graders, will introduce the vocabulary of philosophy and explore some of philosophy’s “greatest hits,” weaving together the work of specific philosophers (ancient and modern) with classic thought experiments and real-life examples. This practical philosophy class will provide a context for students to think more deeply about the choices and experiences of their everyday lives. Because of the nature of the assignments, excellent reading skills (high school+ level) and the maturity to participate in thoughtful discussion are a must.
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Galapagos Islands
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"Where in the World?"
Geography is our window into understanding the world around us. It helps us make sense of history and economics, peoples and culture, science and nature, politics and current events. Taught at Compass in Oakton, VA, each quarter of "Where in the World?" has a different focus.
Human Geography: During the third quarter, we'll design cities and trace historic trails, explore patterns of food production and language dispersal, even investigate our laundry and favorite sports teams. Each week will feature a variety of hands-on activities, games, and at-home projects designed to enrich students’ understanding of both U.S. and world geography. Prior geographic knowledge is welcome but not assumed. Students must be able to read at or above grade level and be prepared to complete projects at home to present during class time.
Biogeography: During the fourth quarter, we’ll be exploring U.S. and world geography by considering the planet’s plant, animal, and even microbial life. We’ll study some of the earth’s most unusual biomes, investigate animal migrations, learn about fossilling sites, look at national parks around the world, track the path of an epidemic, and examine the distribution patterns of some of our favorite animals. Each week will feature a variety of hands-on activities, games, and at-home projects designed to enrich students’ understanding of both U.S. and world geography. Prior geographic knowledge is welcome but not assumed. Students must be able to read at or above grade level and be prepared to complete projects at home to present during class time.
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