Teacher: Arika Weller
School: Merit Academy
District: Woodland Park
District Website: merit.academy
School Address: 500 E Kelley's Rd, Woodland Park, CO 80863
Grade Level: 5th & 6th Geography & History
Region: Central Mountains
Project Title: Geography & History with Merit
Category: Literacy
Amount Requested: $1,140

Project Description:
Woodland Park, a small town located at an elevation over 8,400 feet is home to Merit Academy, a classical education charter school where as a Geography and History teacher, I am passionate about supporting the growth of my learners into responsible citizens! Using globes, atlases, and primary source documents are important in supporting real-life skills. I am requesting access to document-based questions from The DBQ Project, a set of atlases, and classroom globes.

Project Goals:
Through engaging historical questions, learners evaluate primary/first account sources, learn how to decide what they mean, and then take their evidence-based argument into the spoken and written word, creating high-level critical thinking skills. Acquiring access to the document-based questions and structured writing method through The DBQ Project develops learners' research skills and thesis/argumentative writing skills. Along with these analytical skills, providing hands-on learning with globes and atlases piques wonder for the world beyond their rural doorstep and supports our community's children through their journey to becoming life-long-learners.

Budget Breakdown:

• The DBQ Project: Mini-Qs in World History Volumes 1 & 2 - $400 each, Total = $800
• National Geographic Student World Atlases: 20 copies at approximately $11 each, Total = $220
• Classroom Globes: 2 Replogle Student Classic World Globes at approximately $60 each, Total = $120

Photos:

Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3