Project Based Learning, Part I

By Isha Strasser,
Director of Enrollment & Communications

The mission of FSMH is to empower students to achieve their full potential and become responsible global citizens by providing a comprehensive academic program infused with Quaker values in a diverse and inclusive learning community.

Over the next few blogs, we’ll explore how FSMH embodies this mission beginning with: what does it mean to be a global citizen? 

How are students empowered to explore this sense of identity for themselves in order to build meaningful lives, rich with purpose and compassion?

One way we approach teaching global citizenship is through Project Based Learning (PBL). Students identify an issue, conduct research with the widest possible lens, then discern a solution-based approach to the problem by making a difference in their local community. This expansive perspective cultivates a fuller sense of the complex nature of global challenges, while encouraging students to make a difference right where they are. At age appropriate levels, students develop skill in holding big questions with open curiosity. 

For example, last year our fifth graders read a graphic novel by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed, When Stars Are Scattered. The book details the lives of two young Somali boys, displaced by war, who grow up in a refugee camp in Kenya. Teacher Flo, one of our Middle School Humanities Teachers and Global Learning Coordinator, invited Omar Mohamed to FSMH to share his story, explain the process of publishing the book and describe how he started his own nonprofit: Refugee Strong. Their single goal is: “To do our part in making the world a better place for all.”

Omar demonstrated, by virtue of his own lived experience, how our personal narratives can be the ground upon which we build meaningful lives that serve a larger purpose. Refugee Strong has built a school in the Kenyan refugee camp where Omar grew up, and now provides education and opportunity to many children displaced by war.

Students reflected on some of the themes and universal human issues expressed through Omar’s triumphant narrative of hope. Although none of our students have the experience of being displaced by war, many could relate to feeling disconnected due to other types of conflict. Others resonated with the emphasis on family and the essential element of community engagement. 

Students also learned a fun fact: soccer remains one of the favored pastimes in the refugee camp where Omar grew up (a pastime many of our students also enjoy here!). To support Refugee Strong, the students chose to host a Kick-A-Thon as a fundraiser. Many families and friends turned out on a beautiful afternoon for the soccer game here on our campus. Our students were thrilled to raise $3,900.00 for the Kenyan school.

Over the next few blogs, we’ll explore the PBLs of other classes. If you’re not already on our mailing list, please click here to receive occasional updates and new articles.