Pedagogy & Principles
The Open Space Academy emphasizes the inquiry method, constructivism, associative, and project-based learning pedagogies. Teachers aspire to understand the preferred learning modalities and various intelligences of our students. Using the methods of the peripatetic philosophers of ancient Greece, we seek to make hiking and other outdoor activities into opportunities for discussion, contemplation, reflection, and learning. We value choice, civility, curiosity, respect, responsibility, and a strong work ethic. We strive to instill good manners, proper etiquette, and polite behavior at all times. We will engage in a variety of character building activities to enhance our students’ moral fiber and affective sensibilities.
How we roll
Fun + Relevance = Learning! Adventure and excitement will flavor guided independent study and many field trips, with a panoply of mobile devices. . Academic subjects, discovered in this context will inspire students, which in turn increase their intellectual curiosity and encourage them to be auto-didactic, purpose-driven, good people. See more about mobile learning.
Green STEM and the Next Generation Science Standards
The Open Space Academy will feature a "state-of-the-science" environmental education. With an environmental emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, the OSA will provide students with a grounding in essential skills for future careers. Next Generation Science Standards will be adapted to the project-based nature of our curriculum and will make learning meaningful, relevant, and engaging. As a comprehensive program, we will also provide a solid education in the humanities, arts, and literature.
See a plan for a Green STEM emphasis.
Project-Based Service Learning
"Will work for knowledge" is one of our mottos. Blending service learning with project-based learning, the Open Space Academy in conjunction with our partners and advisers, will develop a series of projects that will enhance and maintain various open space preserves on the peninsula. From habitat restoration and bioremediation studies to trail building and interpretive signage, students support the missions of MROSD & POST in exchange for myriad learning opportunities.
The Schooling Bus
School buses will be equipped with wifi and A/V systems for instruction during transit. In addition to the electronic educational delivery system on board the bus, each student will have a mobile device that will serve as textbook, notebook, etc. The Schooling Bus will allow students to learn, create, and be assessed while being transported. However, in addition to the facilities of LHPUSD, we will seek to utilize and repurpose existing facilities in or near the district. See suggestions for possible facilities in the areas.
Application and Participation
All students must complete an application involving basic information, transcripts, recommendations, and short essays. Students also need to be able to hike or bike (or transport themselves and their equipment) from 6-12 miles. There will be initial training and a physical education test. We call this the "Karate Kid Initiation" during which students need to show determination and drive, and engage in preparation for participation. Further, all students and parents will be asked to sign Academic and Behavior Contracts as well as an Honor Code. Application information will be forthcoming.
Student Data
At the outset, all students will be given pretests designed to assess their level of academic performance in a variety of subjects, their preferred learning modalities, personality traits, and career aspirations. This data will be a part of each student's IEP (Individual Education Plan). We will attempt to target our instruction to address weaknesses and enhance strengths based on a student’s academic profile. Through our student data program, we will monitor and track student work on a wide variety of instructional websites. See how we relate IEPs to EIRs (Environmental Impact Reports).
Openness
Students will learn about the business of Ecotourism through the OpenMindWalk, applying what they have learned. Additionally, students will both use and generate Open Educational Resources. We will aspire to total transparency and share our work. Ideally, other schools, districts, and LEAs will be able to replicate our work, and we will continually learn from the good work of others. See more about OpenMindWalk.
Home Facilities Format Mission Mobility Green STEM IEP=EIR OpenMindWalk Feedback
The Open Space Academy emphasizes the inquiry method, constructivism, associative, and project-based learning pedagogies. Teachers aspire to understand the preferred learning modalities and various intelligences of our students. Using the methods of the peripatetic philosophers of ancient Greece, we seek to make hiking and other outdoor activities into opportunities for discussion, contemplation, reflection, and learning. We value choice, civility, curiosity, respect, responsibility, and a strong work ethic. We strive to instill good manners, proper etiquette, and polite behavior at all times. We will engage in a variety of character building activities to enhance our students’ moral fiber and affective sensibilities.
How we roll
Fun + Relevance = Learning! Adventure and excitement will flavor guided independent study and many field trips, with a panoply of mobile devices. . Academic subjects, discovered in this context will inspire students, which in turn increase their intellectual curiosity and encourage them to be auto-didactic, purpose-driven, good people. See more about mobile learning.
Green STEM and the Next Generation Science Standards
The Open Space Academy will feature a "state-of-the-science" environmental education. With an environmental emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, the OSA will provide students with a grounding in essential skills for future careers. Next Generation Science Standards will be adapted to the project-based nature of our curriculum and will make learning meaningful, relevant, and engaging. As a comprehensive program, we will also provide a solid education in the humanities, arts, and literature.
See a plan for a Green STEM emphasis.
Project-Based Service Learning
"Will work for knowledge" is one of our mottos. Blending service learning with project-based learning, the Open Space Academy in conjunction with our partners and advisers, will develop a series of projects that will enhance and maintain various open space preserves on the peninsula. From habitat restoration and bioremediation studies to trail building and interpretive signage, students support the missions of MROSD & POST in exchange for myriad learning opportunities.
The Schooling Bus
School buses will be equipped with wifi and A/V systems for instruction during transit. In addition to the electronic educational delivery system on board the bus, each student will have a mobile device that will serve as textbook, notebook, etc. The Schooling Bus will allow students to learn, create, and be assessed while being transported. However, in addition to the facilities of LHPUSD, we will seek to utilize and repurpose existing facilities in or near the district. See suggestions for possible facilities in the areas.
Application and Participation
All students must complete an application involving basic information, transcripts, recommendations, and short essays. Students also need to be able to hike or bike (or transport themselves and their equipment) from 6-12 miles. There will be initial training and a physical education test. We call this the "Karate Kid Initiation" during which students need to show determination and drive, and engage in preparation for participation. Further, all students and parents will be asked to sign Academic and Behavior Contracts as well as an Honor Code. Application information will be forthcoming.
Student Data
At the outset, all students will be given pretests designed to assess their level of academic performance in a variety of subjects, their preferred learning modalities, personality traits, and career aspirations. This data will be a part of each student's IEP (Individual Education Plan). We will attempt to target our instruction to address weaknesses and enhance strengths based on a student’s academic profile. Through our student data program, we will monitor and track student work on a wide variety of instructional websites. See how we relate IEPs to EIRs (Environmental Impact Reports).
Openness
Students will learn about the business of Ecotourism through the OpenMindWalk, applying what they have learned. Additionally, students will both use and generate Open Educational Resources. We will aspire to total transparency and share our work. Ideally, other schools, districts, and LEAs will be able to replicate our work, and we will continually learn from the good work of others. See more about OpenMindWalk.
Home Facilities Format Mission Mobility Green STEM IEP=EIR OpenMindWalk Feedback