The Silk Road: High School Service-Learning Project

Abstract: In April Smith’s 6th-grade PBL project, students pursue their own Silk Road research interests, creatively publish their findings, and share their knowledge with their classmates at an in-class history fair. This high school service-learning project gives Chinese students in grades 9-12 at Gilmour Academy the opportunity to support Mrs. Smith’s curriculum while creating inventive teaching materials that will engage her students. The student service-learning team has decided to create a series of videos to introduce themselves and discuss their experiences migrating from China to the US for high school. To help the 6th graders better see the connections between the past and the present, they’ll also compare and contrast life in ancient and modern China. Furthermore, the team also intends to strengthen this cultural exchange by serving as pen pals and visiting the middle schoolers to provide help with their Silk Road projects. This service-learning opportunity enables the high school students to take on the role of teacher as they share their knowledge and lived experience. Additionally, this project will facilitate their continued development as effective communicators, collaborative contributors, and effective problem solvers (Gilmour Outcomes)