Grade 6: Utopian Society Builders
Sixth graders studying The Giver by Lois Lowry designed their own "ideal" communities as they hashed out decisions about housing, employment, transportation and other aspects of society.
Sixth graders studying The Giver by Lois Lowry designed their own "ideal" communities as they hashed out decisions about housing, employment, transportation and other aspects of society.
"The Giver is about a world of sameness where everyone is equal," explains teacher Allison Birdsong. "We discussed what is good and bad about this kind of structure and students worked in small groups to come up with their own version of a utopian society as a final project."
In Anna Bock's world, residents live on a tropical island surrounded by a rain forest. Wyatt Cirbo is more interested in his community's use of technology. He envisions a place where futuristic advancements are part of everyday life.
"Students are practicing teamwork and problem solving," says history teacher John Caldwell. "They have to look at the challenges their society might face by examining all sides of their decisions."
The community created by Darian Smith has strict laws, which are determined by the court and enforced by peacekeepers. Anyone who breaks a law "is transferred away to another community." She wants a society where residents feel safe.
Other areas discussed by the groups include government, family governance, money, environment and recreation. Groups were asked to name their communities and draw an overview map showing roads, schools and businesses.
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"The Giver is about a world of sameness where everyone is equal," explains teacher Allison Birdsong. "We discussed what is good and bad about this kind of structure and students worked in small groups to come up with their own version of a utopian society as a final project."
In Anna Bock's world, residents live on a tropical island surrounded by a rain forest. Wyatt Cirbo is more interested in his community's use of technology. He envisions a place where futuristic advancements are part of everyday life.
"Students are practicing teamwork and problem solving," says history teacher John Caldwell. "They have to look at the challenges their society might face by examining all sides of their decisions."
The community created by Darian Smith has strict laws, which are determined by the court and enforced by peacekeepers. Anyone who breaks a law "is transferred away to another community." She wants a society where residents feel safe.
Other areas discussed by the groups include government, family governance, money, environment and recreation. Groups were asked to name their communities and draw an overview map showing roads, schools and businesses.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
