Inquiry Through InvestigationOrientation

Structures2012-2013

Facilitating

Understanding

Through

Real life

Application

Genius can only breathe freely in an atmosphere of

freedom. John Stuart MillUtilizing

Welcome To FUTURA“Developing The

Intellect”Weekly Schedule

Monday: FHR 5thTuesday: FHR 4th

Wednesday: LeesburgThursday: Seldens

LandingFriday: Balls Bluff &

Lucketts

Students arrive at FUTURA at approximately 9:00-9:15 and depart at

1:45 to return to their homerooms/home schools.

FUTURA Daily Routine

A Typical FUTURA day9:15 Warm Up/Creative Problem Solving9:30 Snack in Cafeteria (classrooms are food free)9:45 Interest Centers10:45 Structures Lesson A ~ Interactive Learning11:50 Diversions (Recess) ~ Lunch12:50 Assessment Portfolio development ~ Ketchup

Presentations ~ Stories with Holes ~ Read Aloud1:30 Wrap Up ~ Exit Pass ~ Dismissal

Program Goals To become divergent creative thinkers

who recognize problems and solve them.

To construct personal meaning and understanding of others and of the world around them.

To develop the capacity of self-assessment and take ownership of one’s learning.

Expectations Academic Rigor

Has Qualitatively Different Academic Environments (More In-Depth, Complex and Abstract Concepts and Ideas)

Builds Upon Interests, Strengths and Personal Goals Engages Consistently in Sophisticated Investigations of Materials, Texts,

Interactive Technologies and Learning Activities Employs Advanced Critical and Creative Processes Investigative and Open-Ended Learning Processes Utilizes Effectively Existing Knowledge and Creates New Knowledge Develops and Applies Deep Understanding of Significant Concepts,

Generalizations and Essential Questions to Problem Finding and Problem Solving

Sets No Predetermined Limits Creates Life-Long Learners and Thinkers Capable of Independent Reflection,

Self-Evaluation and Reasoning

Within the program of study, we offer advanced, sophisticated curriculum which consistently builds upon and extends beyond a standard course of study through universal concepts, complex levels of generalizations and essential questions from multiple perspectives within the topic. Students consistently engage in multiple, complex, thought-provoking and ambiguous texts/materials that challenge their thinking and feelings.

FUTURA 2012-2013School Year

Curriculum~StructuresTopics of Study Architecture Natural Structures Ancient Structures Cultures Design Structures in

Language

Throughout the Year

Problem Solving Critical Thinking Creative Thinking Evaluative

Thinking Deductive

Thinking Communication

Skills Analytical Skills Application of

Technology

ESSENTIAL UNDERSTANDINGS

• Structures are self-supporting• Structures meet the need of the builder• Structures provide a framework• Structures can be modified• Structures are a meaningful arrangement of elements • Structures obey the laws of nature

Through This Curriculum…Students become aware

of…ScientificTechnical

MathematicalSocial Science

CommunicationFine Arts

Real World

Hands on Learning!

Sometimes questions are more important than answers. Nancy

Willard

Interest Development Centers

Traditional Centers Extreme Math Sudoku Awesome Algebra Game Strategist Culture Coming to America Shakespeare Medieval Time ETC…

Non-traditional Cartooning Weather Natural Disasters Famous People Constellations Optical Illusions Challenging Projects for Creative

Minds Enigmas Student-developed Independent

Study

Coming together is a beginning.Keeping together is progress.Working together is success! Henry Ford

TEAMWORK

Assessments Student Portfolios Interest

Development Daily Exit Pass Formal County

FUTURA assessments will be given at the end of each semester.

Performance AssessmentThinker Skills

Problem Solving/Decision Making, Critical & Creative Thinking

Worker Skills Pursuing Challenges, Managing Time,

Producing Quality Work

Connector Skills Communicating

Making Real World Connections

Reflector Skills Goal Setting, Self-Assessing Product or Performance

Communication

Communication is the key to success in FUTURA.

Please review your child’s binder weekly to find out what topics were covered and important information.

Communication

EXIT PASS

Regular Classroom Make-Up Work Policy

All students have two days to make-up essential base school work.

Students will not have assigned homework in FUTURA but they may choose to continue

research work at home.

Supplies

Binders, dividers, composition journals, and folders are provided for new students. Returning 5th graders are asked to use binders and folders during their second year.

Additionally, our classroom could use…

Pencils Glue sticks Colored pencils Markers Tissues Wipes Straws Sharpies Erasers

Field Trip Under Construction… ? Building Museum ? DC Scavenger Hunt ? Luray Caverns ???? Falling Water, Frank

Lloyd

Withdrawals or Changes in Placement

If, for any reason, a student needs to withdraw from the program, a parent

conference is required.

Questions?