UnLOCKing Change, One Invention At a Time

FALL, 2010-2011

UnLOCKing Change, One Invention At a Time

The sixth grade is the capstone year at GCCS and the entire year is dedicated to the in-depth study of one hot topic. Over the years, the sixth graders have developed a reputation for creating meaningful work that has an impact on Rochester's community.

This year, we will kick-off our expedition by learning about the importance of water in the development of civilization. In addition, students will learn how different civilizations throughout time have controlled water and the inventions that they created; from The Grand Canal in China's Song Dynasty to the contemporary invention of the Falkirk Wheel in Scotland.

Students will deepen their understanding of these civilizations and inventions by conducting research papers on an inventor and their invention, regularly connecting their understanding back to the Erie Canal, and making three-dimensional models that demonstrate a particular water controlling mechanism, such as a lock or aqueduct.

Our field study plans include a camping trip to Adirondack Mountains, participation in the Worl Canal Conference, a tour of the Broad Street Aqueduct, a lock tour on the Sam Patch, and a field study trip to Lockport, N.Y.