Happy New Year!

As 2011 closed and we start 2012, it is time to start thinking about our Forest Products and Rail Transport project for 2012. This will be another interdisciplinary experiential learning project building on the success of the 2010 and 2011 projects.

It appears that the class will be Thursday evenings in March and April from 4-6:30 pm. We are working on a schedule similar to the 2011 project with time split between forestry and rail science and history, technology tools and guest speakers. Like the 2011 project, some outstanding speakers are being considered. The trip for the culminating project is scheduled for July 15-20, 2012 and will probably have a format similar to the previous two summers.

Although a great deal of planning has already gone into the 2012 project, like all good teachers, we always want to use “lessons learned” to build upon and improve what we do. That is where your feedback is so important. We have prepared a survey so you may provide feedback to assist in planning and to make the 2012 project even better than the previous interdisciplinary experiential learning project collaborating Cabell County Schools, the June Harless Center at Marshall University, Rahall Transportation Institute and industry partners.

The survey can be accessed from January 2 through January 20 (nearly three weeks) for your input. We are asking for names of respondents so we can determine who has responded. We will not be looking at the responses of individuals but consensus data on what has worked well and what needs improvement for 2012.

The link to the survey is HERE.

It is important that you respond to the survey by January 20.

As additional notes, you will be notified soon about the distribution of the now complete DVD of the 2011 project. This documentary format video provides an excellent view of our overall project especially focusing on the culminating summer experience. Also, Karen will be releasing applications for the 2012 project soon. As with previous projects, applications for the 2012 project will include an essay that includes planned classroom implementation strategies and plans.