Inquiry and Project-Based Learning
Kūlia Academy will provide students with a proven academic program that challenges them through deeper learning methods. Research found increased performance in mathematics over a three year period with high school students who used Project- Based Learning (PBL) as compared to students who were in a traditional classroom. An effective implementation of PBL methodology may lead to more of our economically disadvantaged students attending school on a more regular basis and actively striving toward graduation. Students who take part in project-based learning have more positive images of science and their abilities to perform science. They see future careers in science as a possibility that is open for them.
A 2014 study found high rates of college success among students from high schools that feature “student-centered instruction,” which researchers defined as including project based teaching, collaborative learning, relevant curriculum, and performance-based assessments.
Math
Eureka Math is a rigorous hands-on curriculum. It is designed to get students to problem-solve through inquiry-based learning. Eureka Math equates mathematical concepts to stories, with the aim of developing conceptual understanding.
English
Expeditionary Learning (EL) is an approach that promotes rigorous and engaging curriculum, inquiry-based teaching techniques. Studies have found expeditionary learning (EL) to have a significant impact on student achievement
Science
In the Foundational Approaches in Science Teaching program, students conduct investigations 80% of the time. Class organization is in research teams. Students develop their own hypotheses, experimental designs, and explanations. The teacher’s role is research director. The U.S. Department of Education validated FAST as an exemplary science program.
Social Studies
Kūlia will use inquirED’s inquiry-based elementary social studies curriculum in grades K-6. Kūlia Academy teachers will devise lesson plans to engage students through inquiry-based learning and critical thinking using online resurces.
Computer Science
Please see our Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Program
Global Warming
Kūlia will use Stanford University’s Climate Change Education - High School and Purdue University’s Teaching Climate Change curricula.
