"CULTUREDELPHIA" - EXPLORING WHAT MAKES PHILLY, PHILLY
Project based learning at Sunrise!
Students across Sunrsie’s summer camp sites participated in a unique project based learning initiative! Called “Culturedelphia”, this project aimed to expose students to unique sides of their city through fun and engaging activities, games, and experiences.
During professional development training, Sunrise staff were provided with a program wide activity guides and lesson plans designed to engage students in hands-on activities and research projects exploring city landmarks, Philly sports teams, notable historical figures, and Philadelphia’s multicultural heritage .
Throughout the summer, campers participated in the project in different ways - some created art exploring Philadelphia landmarks, some created group presentations, and others found more unique ways to celebrate Philly culture!
Middle School students at our Southwark site used simple coding, with the help of instructors from the Uncommon Individual Foundation, to create a Philadelphia based video game taking place on the steps of City Hall!
Elementary school campers conducted a debate and took votes to decide once and for all who has the city’s best cheese steak!
Students also took part in field trips to Philadelphia’s cultural landmarks ranging from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, to South Street’s Magic Gardens, and walking tours of Philadelphia’s extensive collection of street art.
The project culminated in special displays of student created exhibits and showcases during the final week of camp - check out the pictures below!
What is Project Based Learning:
(from PBLWorks.org)
Project Based Learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex question, problem, or challenge.
Project Based Learning (PBL) is a teaching method in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects.
Students work on a project over an extended period of time – from a week up to a semester – that engages them in solving a real-world problem or answering a complex question. They demonstrate their knowledge and skills by creating a public product or presentation for a real audience.
As a result, students develop deep content knowledge as well as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication skills. Project Based Learning unleashes a contagious, creative energy among students and teachers!