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The Upper Childhood Crew completes two expeditions for the 2011-2012 School year.

1. Health and the Human Body

   Students address a number of questions during the Upper Childhood Health and the Human Body Expedition. These include:

   - Who is responsible for your health?

   - What does it mean to be healthy?

   - How do choices affect your health?

   Beginning with an historic case study of a cholera epidemic, students will become detectives as they unravel the social, historical and biological consequences of disease. Students will study polio, smallpox, yellow fever and influenza through both expository and fiction texts. Looking closely at individual and societal choices, students will investigate how each disease affects communities, individuals and critical body systems. Beginning at the microscopic level of cells, students will explore the idea of tissue, organs and systems as they investigate respiration, circulation, digestion, immune responses, reproduction and neural functioning. Through hands-on lab experiences, lectures by medical and microbiology experts and fieldwork at a medical training center, students will connect their experiences in the classroom with what’s happening in their community and the world at large. We will conclude our journey through the human body with case studies on tobacco and alcohol use.

   Through literature circles, art projects, Socratic seminars and informative and persuasive writing projects, our crew will explore varied perspectives on how choices shape our health. The expedition will culminate with a student-driven service project that lets students use their minds, hearts and spirit to create a healthier community.

2. The Mystery of the Maya

   The spring expedition takes Upper Childhood students on a journey through history, exploring ancient and modern civilizations of Mesoamerica. Using the ancient and modern Maya as a case study, students will investigate layers of this fascinating culture.

   - How will these cultures be sustained, if at all?

   - Using the five themes of geography—location, place, human-environment interaction, movement, and regions—how will natural resources shape the success and survival of societies?

   The focus on resources will span both the historical and cultural impact of European exploration, as well as the ongoing struggle over the development of rainforests and other habitats. Throughout this expedition, our crew will learn to think like archaeologists and anthropologists. “Digging for artifacts,” we will study Mayan and modern astronomy, explore the ruins of Tikal through a descriptive writing project, become skilled in the craft of weaving and experience the beauty of retelling traditional myths and folk stories. The Mystery of the Maya will connect a centuries-old struggle to sustain culture amid contemporary issues that impact, not only Central and Southern America, but our Boise community as well.

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