What is Project-Based Learning:

Imagine that you are studying physics purely from a textbook, while seated in a classroom. Perhaps you can force yourself to focus and memorize the key concepts, at least until the test. But what if instead you were given a challenge: say, to build a rocket that would launch a raw egg and return it to the ground unharmed? Now, you’ll need those same physics equations, but you’re going to immediately apply them, witness results, work in a team, and continue improving your design with practice.

This is project-based learning, and it leads to a few results.

1. You will grasp and remember physics better. Research shows that when academics are paired with emotional and social engagement (cheering with your teammates when your rocket finally launches!), new knowledge is more likely to be retained in long-term memory.

2. You will be more motivated. You’ll be working with friends and will have the freedom to test and improve your ideas. Most adolescents learn best when projects involve peers and offer choices about how they find solutions.

Why Project-Based Learning:

At HIS, we love project-based learning for several reasons, including:

• Greater relevance: Projects connect learning to real-world issues, helping students see that their work matters beyond school. Their interdisciplinary nature mirrors how the world actually works.

• Greater motivation: Adolescents are strongly motivated by peers. Team-based projects tap into this social energy while building essential collaboration skills.

• Greater partnership: Projects place guides and students on the same team. By tackling meaningful problems and presenting to real audiences, students engage with experts and experience authentic purpose.

• Greater novelty: Term-based projects introduce fresh challenges throughout the year, preventing learning from becoming repetitive.

• Greater salience: Learning sticks when it’s emotional, social, and connected to life. Projects create memorable arcs of challenge, teamwork, and accomplishment that strengthen long-term retention.

• Greater creativity: For guides, projects offer space to innovate and continuously redesign learning around real-world opportunities.

Current Project Requirements

Interdisciplinary Projects with Humanities, the Arts and Science

7th Grade Project: Humanities and MS Science (Science, English/Global Issues, Geography, Systems Thinking) credits

8th Grade Project: Humanities and MS Science (Science, English /Government, Economics, Environmental History) credits

Biology Project (9th & 10th graders only): Biology & Humanities (English/World History) credits

Chemistry Project (Prerequisite: Completed  Biology Project): Chemistry & Humanities (English/Civics, Econ, Global Issues) credits

Physics & Alpine Engineering Project (Prerequisite: Completed Biology & Chemistry Project):  Physics & English credits