Global Classroom Project
The Global Classroom Project at Katherine Johnson MS provides our students the opportunity to communicate and collaborate with peers from around the world on authentic project based learning challenges which encourage the development of Portrait of a Graduate skills. Digital tools such as FlipGrid, Google Hangouts, and Skype are utilized to allow students to communicate in real time or asynchronously depending on the difference in time zones between countries. One of the main focuses of the Global Classroom Project is for students to create and foster relationships while demonstrating their ability to work within a group to promote learning, increase productivity, and achieve common goals.
The Vision
Our vision for global classrooms is purposefully aligned to the Student Success goal in our Strategic Plan. The student success goal focuses on the commitment of FCPS to reach, challenge and prepare every student for success in school and life. Also, the Global Classroom engages students in all aspects of the County’s vision for our students, The Portrait of a Graduate. One attribute of the Portrait of a Graduate is Ethical and Global Citizen. Global citizenship is where our students are able to acknowledge and understand diverse perspectives and cultures in the consideration of issues that impact our local area, nation, and the world. With the creation of the global classroom,our students can build skills through not only content but also through meaningful learning experiences.
We not only want to see our students demonstrate these skills when they graduate from FCPS, but we want them to continuously grow these skills on some level each year. Every student has the potential for growth within each of these attributes through authentic, content-driven, learning experiences.
Project History
Katherine Johnson Middle School has collaborated with multiple countries for several years as part of the international Global Classroom. A detailed project history below dates back to 2010 during our first year involved in this powerful opportunity.
2010 - Ireland: Students shared the outdoor learning classroom experience as well as how hands on science is taught in USA vs. Ireland. What are the common features and how is the learning experience different.
2015 - India: Students researched on waste management practices in India and USA and shared the trash/recycle practices in their daily lives. Also discussed the human carbon footprint and how to minimize that.
2017 - India, Costa Rica & China: Students completed a PBL on impact of water and air pollution on the watershed and how to reduce it. Select students traveled to Costa Rica for an International Study Travel Program as Global Environmentalists to better understand the rain forest and its importance.
2018 - India, Denmark & China: Students continue to foster the relationships built with Apeejay, India and focus on maintaining the quality of the two watersheds. Students will develop an educational relationship with Denmark to better understand their school culture and lifestyle.
2019 - France & Romania
Fligrid Videos of Student Introductions
Global Environmentalists – Costa Rica
Focus
Soak up Costa Rica’s natural beauty and amazing biodiversity from every angle. Students will explore the ecosystems of the Tortugero canals, learn about conservation efforts in National Parks, and hike the Poas Volcano to discover natural phenomenon like hot springs and geysers. The Global Environmentalists will examine how Costa Rica’s efforts to establish national parks and reserves is one of the world’s most progressive to save the earth’s endangered rainforests. Students will discuss and reflect on how a community’s attachment, connection, and feeling towards the land may differ abroad. Experiencing this Central American country first-hand will inspire a lasting respect for the environment.
Environmental Citizenship in the Dominican Republic
Focus
Trek into the central highlands of the Dominican Republic where mountainous landscapes, coffee plantations and alpine pastures stretch as far as the eye can see —this is your chance to dive deeper into the country’s diverse ecological zones. As you investigate these microclimates, you’ll also be immersed in the rich local Caribbean culture, all while you work on a sustainable Service Learning project to help address challenges such as generational poverty, gender inequality, and deforestation. Service Learning projects may include promoting responsible tourism to help support the local economy and conservation efforts, planning community gardens to improve food security, or building trails for local community members. Participants will earn 25 FCPS approved service hours.