The 2012-2013 academic year marked the beginning of district-wide AIW implementation in the Monticello Community School District. A recurring question throughout the district has been how to construct tasks with high levels of value beyond school. At the elementary level a fourth grade science teacher and a language arts teacher teamed up to create a task that would meet this challenge. They never imagined this task would end up influencing audiences outside the community of Monticello.
The teachers identified the concepts of systems and producing text by narrowing them into a persuasive writing project about human body systems. The students had to construct knowledge about human body systems and how they are affected by healthy and unhealthy choices. The teachers facilitated students as they took the role of being scientists needing to support their findings with their writing. Through elaborated communication, students created final products to educate and persuade younger students and the public of the importance of healthy lifestyles. Their products were displayed in health service related businesses throughout Monticello and surrounding communities. Some made it as far away as the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.
Students used concepts from science and language arts in a practical way to influence audiences out of their classroom. This was one example in which teachers found a way to meet the challenge of implementing value beyond school with their students.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48-Lg_yibBM&feature=youtu.be