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The Great Depression: Investigating Causes and Federal Policy Responses

The Great Depression: Investigating Causes and Federal Policy Responses

This 11th-grade history project challenges students to investigate the systemic economic collapses of the 1920s and the resulting transformation of the American social contract. Learners analyze the ideological shift from Hoover’s "rugged individualism" to FDR’s New Deal, auditing specific federal policies for their effectiveness in providing relief, recovery, and reform. Through the synthesis of primary sources and diverse perspectives, students conclude the unit by crafting a "Social Contract Manifesto" that argues the federal government's role in modern American democracy.
Grade 11HistorySocial Studies
by Benjamin Fry
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0
Red Revolution: Lenin and the Rise of Totalitarianism

Red Revolution: Lenin and the Rise of Totalitarianism

In this 10th-grade history project, students act as historical forensic investigators to evaluate whether the Russian Revolution fulfilled its promises of "Peace, Land, and Bread" or simply replaced monarchy with totalitarianism. Students analyze the collapse of the Romanov dynasty, deconstruct Bolshevik propaganda, and investigate the "iron blueprint" of state control, including the Cheka and the early Gulag system. By synthesizing conflicting primary sources and mapping historical causality, students conclude the project by developing a formal "Historian’s Verdict" that argues whether the revolution achieved its goals or established a new form of tyranny.
Grade 10Social StudiesHistory
by Benjamin Fry
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Beyond the Box: Designing a Signature QSR Kids' Meal

Beyond the Box: Designing a Signature QSR Kids' Meal

In this project, 10th-grade students act as marketing consultants to design a revolutionary "Experience Meal" for a quick-service restaurant that bridges the gap between child desires and parental priorities. By analyzing market data and consumer psychology, students develop detailed personas and brand identities that utilize color theory and strategic messaging. They innovate by replacing traditional plastic toys with digital or social incentives, ultimately pitching their data-backed prototypes and integrated marketing plans to a panel of industry experts.
Grade 10Other
by Alexandria Ackley
0
1
Desert Oases: Designing Sustainable Water-Harvesting Homes

Desert Oases: Designing Sustainable Water-Harvesting Homes

(5.0)
In this project, students step into the role of sustainable architects to design a residential home specifically adapted for the extreme environment of the Arabian Desert. By researching historical water-harvesting techniques and modern ecological stressors, they learn to balance cultural traditions with the urgent need for resource conservation. The experience culminates in the creation of a comprehensive architectural blueprint and a sustainability report that addresses the long-term challenges of water scarcity in one of the world's driest regions.
Grade 6Social Studies
by Kurt Snyder
0
1
The College Starter Pack: Choosing Your Best Financial Accounts

The College Starter Pack: Choosing Your Best Financial Accounts

In this economics project, 10th-grade students act as financial evaluators to design a personalized "College Launch Kit" consisting of a strategic savings account and credit card combination. Students research different types of financial institutions and decode the "fine print" of Schumer Boxes to identify hidden fees and the true costs of high-interest debt. The experience culminates in a data-driven pitch where students justify their financial recommendations to help peers build long-term stability and avoid common predatory debt traps during the transition to adulthood.
Grade 10Economics
by Alexandria Ackley
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1
Monsoon Makers: Amphibious Market Stalls for the Mekong Delta

Monsoon Makers: Amphibious Market Stalls for the Mekong Delta

(5.0)
Monsoon Makers challenges sixth-grade students to act as geographers and engineers by designing amphibious market stalls that sustain trade during the Mekong Delta's extreme seasonal flooding. Students analyze geographic data and traditional Vietnamese adaptations to inform the creation of scale models that balance buoyancy constraints with the economic needs of local sellers. The project culminates in a "Resilience Pitch" where students justify their engineering choices using geographic evidence, highlighting the dynamic relationship between human activity and the physical environment.
Grade 6Social Studies
by Kurt Snyder
0
1
River Recovery: Prototyping Solutions for Sustainable Trade and Environments

River Recovery: Prototyping Solutions for Sustainable Trade and Environments

(5.0)
In this interdisciplinary project, sixth-grade students act as global innovators to tackle plastic pollution in major Eastern Hemisphere river systems. Students analyze the geographic and human factors contributing to environmental degradation, then design and test functional prototypes for plastic extraction tailored to specific river conditions. By developing circular economy models, they transform collected waste into tradeable goods, ultimately pitching a comprehensive proposal that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability.
Grade 6Social Studies
by Kurt Snyder
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1
Martian Harvest: Designing Sustainable Greenhouses for the Red Planet

Martian Harvest: Designing Sustainable Greenhouses for the Red Planet

Sixth-grade students step into the role of mission engineers to design and defend a self-sustaining greenhouse for a future Martian colony. By analyzing performance data from various prototypes and auditing the biological mechanics of photosynthesis, students identify the most effective features for cycling matter and energy in extreme environments. The project culminates in the creation of a hybrid technical blueprint and a formal scientific argument that justifies their design's ability to support human life on the Red Planet.
Grade 6ScienceEnglish
by Katie Hunter
0
1
Zero-G Polynomials: Engineering Roller Coaster Tracks

Zero-G Polynomials: Engineering Roller Coaster Tracks

In this project, 8th-grade students step into the role of lead engineers to design a safe and thrilling roller coaster using the power of polynomial functions. Students analyze how algebraic components like coefficients and degrees translate into physical track features, performing operations to synthesize multiple "track modules" into a continuous ride. By applying factoring techniques to identify ground-level "zeros," students ensure the mathematical integrity and safety of their designs. The experience culminates in the creation of a "Master Zero-G Blueprint" and a technical pitch that demonstrates the real-world application of algebraic modeling.
Grade 8Math
by Alicia Corbley
0
1
The Break-Even Bakery: Linear Equations for Social Impact

The Break-Even Bakery: Linear Equations for Social Impact

Seventh-grade students step into the roles of social entrepreneurs to design a bakery business aimed at maximizing donations for a local charity. By researching fixed and variable costs, students construct and graph linear equations to identify their break-even point and visualize profit zones. They apply linear inequalities to calculate specific sales targets required to meet their charitable goals, ultimately presenting their mathematical models and social mission in a professional "Investor Pitch."
Grade 7Math
by Nicole Sieminski
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0
Roadmap to Reality: The True Cost of Car Ownership

Roadmap to Reality: The True Cost of Car Ownership

(5.0)
In this project, 10th-grade students explore the financial realities of vehicle ownership by comparing a "dream car" with a budget-appropriate alternative. Students conduct in-depth research into the total cost of ownership, including hidden expenses like insurance, fuel, and maintenance, while managing a simulated monthly income and a mandatory savings goal. The experience culminates in a "Driver's Financial Manifesto," where students use data-driven analysis to justify a sustainable transportation choice and reflect on how financial stability impacts their overall health and well-being.
Grade 10Physical EducationHealth
by Stephanie Knorr
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0
Global Brand Adaptation: Strategic Packaging and Consumer Protection

Global Brand Adaptation: Strategic Packaging and Consumer Protection

In this project, 10th-grade students step into the role of international marketing consultants to redesign a local brand’s packaging for a successful global launch. Students conduct deep cultural audits and research foreign consumer protection laws to balance visual appeal with strict regulatory requirements, such as metric units and safety warnings. The experience culminates in a professional business pitch where students present 3D prototypes and compliant labels, justifying how their designs protect the product, inform the consumer, and maintain brand essence across international borders.
Grade 10Other
by Alexandria Ackley
0
1

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