RiverCity WolfPack - Project-based Education

The goal of our project-based school is to instill an entrepreneurial spirit in the students so that they can create a future that fits their own skills and life choices. Rather than merely training students for a profession or trade, this new school will help them find their future work through independent learning, self-motivation, and creation of their own opportunities. The students will learn leadership through the formation of a business—the path from “idea” to “financial, personal and humanitarian success.”

Computer Technology: Students will begin learning basic computer skills in software and hardware, with the goal of obtaining industry certifications. Once the basic hardware skills are learned, students will begin refurbishing donated surplus computer equipment. These computers will be available for student use or for distribution to the public (targeting low-income or charity-based organizations). Students will teach basic computer skills to the public, with the price of the lessonsto include a refurbished computer upon completion of the class. Students will also focus on business and web-design software, with the goal of obtaining their MOUS and Multimedia Certifications. At the end of the program, students should have marketable skills in webpage design, hardware maintenance, and business software. Students will solicit contracts to create and manage web pages for businesses and community groups.

Outdoors: Students will begin with a general conditioning focus, while also learning outdoor philosophy and first-aid skills. Students will participate in ropes-course events to develop their group dynamics and beginning outdoor skills, then will advance to rock climbing and rope management. In the winter, students will ski (downhill, telemark, and cross-country), snowshoe, winter camp, and learn outdoor survival. In the spring, they will learn the basics of mountain climbing, continue with their rock climbing, and begin backpacking. Within these events, students will also experience biking, roller-blading, walking, jogging, and other outdoor activities in order to improve physical fitness. Our Outdoors philosophy includes an appreciation for natural history and the protection and preservation of the wilderness.

Project-based Curriculum
The following subjects will be taught through project-based education and will include authentic assessment and the validation of graduation competencies.

Language Arts: Students will study English through the writing of business letters, journals, grant applications and in preparing plans, proposals, and schedules for project development. There will be an emphasis on business-writing skills. There are also two new monthly magazines in the Spokane area for which students will attempt to become writers by submitting monthly articles. Students will also be writing stories and poetry during their projects and adventures. They will at the same time develop strong literacy skills in reading and comprehension.

Mathematics: Students will begin by preparing budgets and making financial decisions and will eventually be in charge of the bookkeeping for the program. Math will be taught in a problem-solving manner, it will not always be taught in the traditional setting. Imagine applying math while learning Search and Rescue techniques, estimating the number of trees in the forest, using Calculus to find the additional weight of a lake if the water is raised one foot. The math curriculum will focus on applying math to student projects and to real-life situations. Students will study mathematics everyday with the goals of passing the WASL and later progressing to the Advanced Placement Calculus test for college credit.

Environmental Science: This will encompass such traditional subjects as Biology, Ecology, Chemistry, Geology, and Geography. Our outdoor pursuits will be filled with experiences involving location and environment. These lessons will include orienteering (map and compass skills), wildlife, glacial studies, rock formation, forest management, and a global environment perspective. A possible resource for this program will be the Outdoor Learning Center at Pasadena Elementary, where numerous ecosystems are being developed for study. Students will be prepared through engaging projects for the Science WASL.

Social Studies: Social studies will be incorporated heavily through conversations and debriefings. This curriculum will focus on law and civics, people of other regions and cultures, life-style and career choices, and interpersonal relationships. Students will also view and analyze literature, primary documents and selected movies of value, thus creating the opportunity for discussion (and lessons on how to discuss),learn from history and how it relates to today, and study Washington state history in the historic locations.

Fine and Performing Arts: Music will be encouraged at our outdoor events, and students showing an interest will be granted opportunity to pursue their talents. Art will be taught as a form of expression and will be strongly encouraged through drawing and painting the surroundings, writing poetry and/or songs about their experiences and views, and filming their adventures.Fine and Performing Arts will also be incorporated throughout students web page design and project presentations.

Health and Fitness: Much of this key curriculum will focus on nutrition, hydration, and preventative maintenance. With obesity quickly becoming the scourge of the generation, healthy choices and exercise, as well as mental wellness will be taught and encouraged. First-aid skills and certification will also be incorporated into the curriculum. Students will begin with general first-aid, then become certified in Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or obtain the higher status of Wilderness First Responder (WFR)

Citizenship and Professionalism: We believe these are two of the most important subjects the students can learn. Citizenship will be stressed through lessons on the law and government with a focus on developing the ability to analyze and develop students’ moral fiber. Professionalism will be taught primarily through the computer and other businesses the students create. They will learn how to dress and conduct themselves within the business environment. Students will also become involved in community-service projects where they will learn the need to give selflessly, especially within our own community. They will develop understandings of multicultural and social justice issues facing their future world.