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“Education
is not the filling of a pail, Curricular Units Sparks is comprised of 3 separate curricular units, each designed to prepare students for a particular travel experience. We believe that travel can provide a transformational experience for adolescents. In order to achieve this, however, the travel itinerary must be carefully planned and the students must prepare in advance. Each Sparks curriculum focuses on themes related to its travel itinerary. This is achieved through a variety of activities and lessons designed to introduce students to the geographic areas they will visit, the history and cultures they will learn about, and the skills needed to be a successful traveler. In addition, the goal is for students to read critically, write creatively, speak publicly, express themselves artistically, and, just as importantly, have a good deal of fun during the course of the pre-trip program. Students are encouraged to think about how decisions and choices, whether of individuals or groups of people, have shaped the history and cultures we study. And, of course, we also want the young people to reflect on their own lives and the decisions they make. At the pivotal time between middle school and high school, good choices can literally change the course of a student’s life, whether by helping them to stay in school, building self-confidence and leadership ability, or avoiding risky behaviors. Planning and decision-making is one of 40 Developmental Assets identified by the Search Institute that help young people grow up healthy, caring and responsible
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