Culminating Activity: The Perfect School

Culminating Activity: Creating the Perfect School

Description of Task

The Culminating Activity involves students designing the "Perfect School" for a committee of School Board Trustees, the Administration, the Staff and the Students. Social Institutions is the major unit of study and is broken down into three specific expectations: Social Institutions, The World of Work, and The World of Education. The expectations will be met by examining social institutions throughout the unit, analyzing the world of work through the job shadow and interview that will culminate in the design of a "Perfect School".

Expectations

Social Institutions

1. Students will understand the role of social institutions and analyze their purpose.
2. Students will examine the specific roles that different social institutions play in diverse cultures.
3. Students will understand that social institutions change as a result of internal and external factors

Social Structure: The World of Work

1. Students will understand the structural changes that are occurring in the world of work within Canada.
2. Students will understand the process for conflict resolution in the workplace.
3. Students will understand employment and unemployment patterns in Canada.

Social Structure: The World of Education

1. Students will understand that schools are a microcosm of society.
2. Students will understand the process and impact of change on individuals and the community.
3. Students will understand that many factors exist in the decision-making process.

In groups of two or three, students will take on the role of school designers that will create and produce their own "Perfect School". Upon completing data collection and research on various social institutions and their school in particular through surveys, interviews, and job shadowing, students will apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired through the study of topics presented and investigated during the unit to create the perfect school.

This task will be accomplished through the completion of FOUR major components:

A. Job Shadow/Interview of Staff Member (Individual Element) 10 Marks
B. Power Point Presentation (Group Element) 40 Marks
C. Model (Group Element) 40 Marks
D. Journal (Individual Element) 10 Marks

Total: 100 Marks

(...continued on next page)

Culminating Activity: Creating the Perfect School

Major Components

A. Job Shadow/Interview of Staff Member 10 Marks

Students will use prior knowledge gained through the activities during the unit to develop key inquiry questions that focus on the major components of school operations and functions. Students are responsible for contacting and arranging a Job Shadow/Interview with a member of the school staff. There are three steps that students must follow:

1. Contact a staff member
2. Job Shadow
3. Post Shadow Interview

Students will assess and appraise the input and ideas provided by the staff member interviewed with the goal of integrating and incorporating their observations into their design of their school.

B. Power Point Presentation 40 Marks

This is the MAJOR element of the culminating activity. In your presentation you will present your vision of the Perfect School. The information you use to determine the components of an ideal school will be gathered from the interview, job shadow, unit work and a SURVEY. [The student survey allows you to sample the community, staff and student body using specific questions that determine their needs and wants].

Presentation Elements:

School Layout Classroom/Department Structure Course Structure School Operations (who/how keeps school running) Student Charter

 Mission Statement (Vision for School)  Community  Budget  School Safety

C. Model 40 Marks

Students will develop a 2D or 3D physical model of their school physical plant. This model will include: parking, fields, landscaping, foyer, cafeteria, classrooms, dedicated classrooms (science and computer labs, drama and art rooms, etc...), main office, staff workspace, sports facilities, community connections and shared facilities. This physical model will be used in conjunction with your Power Point Presentation to add/demonstrate key ideas that have developed through your research and survey results.

D. Journal 10 Marks

Students will include job shadow interview questions/results and observation notes in their journal. Students will also provide short entries reflecting on the experience of creating the perfect school.

Total 100 Marks