It is a sunny day in June. The horses are basking in the sun. The cats are lounging in the shade. It is enough to make you want to get out there and enjoy the weather. Here at Maple Lake, the students are working hard in their classrooms. The teacher is busy explaining the next assignment, while the students listen intently in excitement for their next project. However, this is no ordinary type of lesson plan. The students aren’t just learning math or english, this time they are learning about something of great interest to each one of them.

So what is this project we are talking about? We’ll let one of the teachers explain it in his own words:

“This term we thought we would allow each student to complete a research project on any subject they are interested in. Each student was given the opportunity to choose 3 topics. Jeff and I then discussed those topics with each student and helped each of them whittle their choices down to one topic. The goal here is to give the students ownership and control over what they are learning.”

– Seth Campbell

In addition to doing this research project, the students are also attending a Scholar’s Camp where they will be learning different types of study skills and executive functioning.