Narrative:This course is designed to promote self-confidence, group cooperation, and problem solving skills in a mutually supportive environment.  The course is divided into three distinct phases.  The initial activities are designed to develop trust and mutual support among group members.  The second phase emphasizes group cooperation and problem solving skills.  The initiative problems presented require a full contribution from every member of the group.  The final activities in this course are designed to encourage risk taking and to develop self-confidence.  These activities include working on the ropes course located at the high school.  Students are not mandated to participate in the high elements but are encouraged to try.  Students will also use cooperative activities and SEL strategies through team sports (when the weather prevents the use of the course) to continue supporting their group or team members. 

Unit

Timeframe

Big Ideas (Statements or Essential Questions)

Major Learning Experiences from Unit 

CREATING COMMUNITY AND FULL VALUE CONTRACT

4 weeks

-How do we work together to accomplish great things?

-Establish Positive working relationships with classmates

-Create a sense of community

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Risk Taking & Creativity

4 weeks

  • How do you assess risks in order to make appropriate decisions?

  • What conditions allow you to be open to the potential outcomes, either positive or negative, resulting from experimentation in risk environments?

  • In what ways does creativity impact your life?

  • What situations or conditions enhance your creativity?  Which ones stifle your creativity?

  • What is the importance of creativity in our society?

  • Identify the difference between perceived and actual risks

  • Recognize the relationship between risk taking and the Full Value Contract 

  • Identify various personal needs with respect to risk taking and the group environment

  • Experiment with taking physical and emotional risks

  • Experiment with taking physical and emotional risks in adventure settings and the relationship between peer pressure and risk taking