Beyond the Walls

Hands On Minds On Geography

Beyond the Walls is a hands on project for the World Geography student.  Beyond the Walls projects give our students a chance to apply their geographic knowledge in the real world.  Students have a wide variety of activities (outlined below) to choose from and must complete one during each of their Trimesters while a student in geography.   The BTW project will count for 10% of a student's final TRI grade and they are encouraged to work with fellow students or family/friends.  The main objective is to get our young geographers out on a mission to explore a part of the world that may be new to them.

Project Details:
1) ALL students will complete ONE "Beyond the Walls" project per Trimester
2) BTW Projects are worth 10% of a student's final quarter grade
3) Students can (and are ENCOURAGED) to complete their project with other students
4) Parents are strongly encouraged to participate in BTW activities with their student
5) ALL Project responsibilities MUST be fulfilled prior to students getting credit for project
6) Students are unable to "double up" project choices (they will not do the same choice twice)
7) Students will not be given classroom (in school) work time to complete their BTW Project
8) ALL Aspect of BTW project must be completed during their time within my classroom

Project Choices (Please scroll down for detail directions for each option)
#1 - Explore a MN State Park
#2 - The Bike Trek
#3 - Visit a Famous MN Museum
#4 - Winter Camping & Survival
#5 - Rock Climbing/Bouldering
#6 - Capital City Selfies
#7 - Cross Country Skiing/Snowshoeing
#8 - Foreign Country Study (Must be completed individually)
#9 - Ethnic Holiday Dinner & Celebration
#10 - Urban Lake Adventure (Bde Maka Ska!)
#11 - The EPIC Fishing Expedition
#12 - Explore a Neighborhood or a Small Town
#13 - Visit a College Campus
#14 - Odd Ball Geography
#15 - Geographical Literature
#16 - Best Hike in Carver County - Crosby Lake Loop
#17 - Personal Vacation/Getaway
#18 - Explore Minnesota (Through Maps)
#19 - Create Your Own Adventure

Project Option #1 – Explore a MN State Park

Completion Dates - Open Year Round

Introduction...
Minnesota, your home state, is home to one of the most advanced State Park systems in the nation.  Our state has protected millions of acres from development in order for its citizens to enjoy the variety of environments Minnesota offers.  For this option you will be exploring any state park of your choice and completing a variety of activities associated with the park.  As you leave your State Park you should be an expert at what the park offers within its borders for visitors. This activity can be completed individually or by a small group.  All groups or individuals will need to create a poster that displays their adventure and what knowledge they gained through their experience.  These posters will need to be created in a very professional manner using pictures/photographs to tell your adventure story.  (See your Geography teacher for poster examples if you have any questions)  

TO FIND A MN STATE PARK CLICK HERE

Option Responsibilities...
1) Travel to one of the seventy two Minnesota State Parks
2) Complete the designated “Hiking Club” Trail (watch for the “password”)
3) Fill out “State Park Observation” sheet about your journey
4) Complete “Park Ranger Interview” sheet
5) Create Professional Poster displaying all aspects of your adventure

CLICK HERE to Download Park Ranger Interview/Observations Sheet

Project Option #2 – The Bike Trek

Completion Dates - Sept, Oct., April or May

Introduction...
This BTW option involves a bike trek on one of the many bike TRAILS of Minnesota.  The options for biking TRAILS in Minnesota is endless and all you need to do is pick a trail and complete a 5 to 10 mile portion of an "Official Bike" trail within MN.  This activity can be completed individually or by a small group of students. (this is not a random bike around town)

Option Responsibilities...
1) Complete a 5 to 10 mile bike trek on a designated biking TRAIL
2) Take “snap-shots” of your adventure…these photos should explain your adventure and should clearly display the “5 Themes of Geography” (Location/Place/Interaction/Region/Movement)
3) Create Professional Poster displaying all aspects of your adventure
Note: Poster Must include at least one picture clearly displaying student/students involved and a detail map of your adventure!

MN Bike Trail Websites...
http://www.dot.state.mn.us/bike/maps.html
http://www.traillink.com/stateactivity/mn-bike-trails.aspx
http://www.exploreminnesota.com/things-to-do/biking/

Project Option #3 - Visit a Famous Museum/Zoo/Attraction

Introduction…
The Twin Cities metropolitan area is FULL of world class museums/galleries/experiences on a variety of topics. Science, History, Art or Architecture…what are you interested in? This option highlights TEN museums in our area that are sure to entertain the 8th Grade Geographer!

Museum Choices: (in no particular order)
#1 - Foshay Museum & Observation Deck
#2 - Science Museum of MN
#3 - Minneapolis Institute of Art
#4 - Walker Art Museum & Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
#5 - Mill City Museum
#6 - Weisman Art Museum
#7 - Bakken Museum
#8 - MN History Center
#9 - Bell Museum of Natural History
#10 - American Swedish Institute
#11 - James J. Hill House
#12 - Judy Garland Museum
#13 - SPAM Museum
#14 - Glensheen Mansion

Option Responsibilities…
1) Travel to One of the Above Twin City Museums
2) Explore Museum and find your personal FAVORITE Display/Experience
3) Take photos throughout your experience to document your adventure…PLEASE read signs and ask Museum staff if Photos Taking is appropriate or even allowed!!!
4) Create a Poster Displaying your adventure

Note: Final Poster should include…1) at least ONE picture of Student/Students involved 2) A Map of Museum layout 3) A Map Showing WHERE in the Twin Cities your Museum is Located and 4) a special section highlighting your (or your groups) favorite display/experience of your chosen Museum

Can’t decide on which one to visit?
City Pages Article - Top 10 Museums in the Twin Cities
US News/World Report - 6 Must-See Museums in MN
Trip Advisor - Best Museums in Twin Cities

Project Option #4 – Winter Camping & Survival

Completion Dates - Dec, Jan. Feb or March

Introduction...
Does this need any more of an introduction? Winter (Season) Camping (Sleep Outside)...there you go.  Every MN should be able to say they have braved the outdoor world in all seasons...including BIG BAD WINTER!

Option Responsibilities...
1) Must sleep/spend the night outdoors
2) Need to prepare and eat at least One Meal while outdoors
3) Build a fire
4) Construct a shelter for protection...do not need to spend night in shelter
5) Take photos to document your outdoor adventure
6) Create a Poster to highlight your experiences

Please Note: this is a bit more of an "extreme" option...please use caution and good judgment when completing this activity...it is suggested that this activity be completed near your home and under parent/guardian supervision.  Please do some research before heading out into the cold!!!

Helpful Websites....
http://www.princeton.edu/~oa/winter/wintcamp.shtml    
http://www.mwr.is/scouts/BSA/documents/Winter%20Camping.htm

Project Option #5 – Rock Climbing/Bouldering

Completion Dates - Open All Year

Introduction...
When one thinks about Minnesota “Rock Climbing” may not come to mind, but contrary to “popular belief” Minnesota offers many opportunities to climb.  Through this activity I hope that the 8th Grade Geography students will have a better understanding of rock climbing.  The activity below can be completed individually or by a small group.  All groups or individuals will need to create a poster that displays their adventure and what knowledge they gained through their experience.  These posters will need to created in a very professional manner and, with the use pictures/photographs, tell you or your groups adventure story.

Option Responsibilities...
1) Travel to one of the below indoor climbing walls
2) Attempt to climb one of the climbing walls
3) Learn the basics of rock climbing and general operation of equipment
4) Take photos throughout your journey to document your adventure
5) Create a Poster of you or your groups Adventure Story

MN Indoor Climbing Wall Info…
1 - REI - “Climbing the Pinnacle”
http://www.rei.com/stores/bloomington/index.html
952-884-4315 (Bloomington)

2 - Vertical Endeavors – indoor rock climbing facility
verticalendeavors.com
651-776-1430 (St. Paul, Bloomington & Minneapolis)

3 - Minneapolis Bouldering Project
https://minneapolisboulderingproject.com/
612-308-2800 (Minneapolis)

Note to climbers...
1) walls provide climbing instruction and all climbing gear
2) walls work on a “first come...first serve basis”
3) climbers under 18 need to have parent /guardian present
4) there is an entrance fee for all above mentioned indoor climbing facilities
5) CALL AHEAD prior to traveling to any above facility

Proect Option #6 - Capital City SelfieS

But First, let me take a selfie! Ever taken the time to slow down and truly explore our state’s capital city? This BTW option moves beyond just the Capital Building and gets our geographers out into this classic Mississippi River city to learn and explore. Who does not love a good selfie? Please charge your phone and read through the requirements below in order to get full credit on this one!

Selfie/Picture Checklist…

Famous Front Doors (need all 4)
#1 - State Capital
#2 - Cathedral of St. Paul
#3 - Xcel Energy Center/Home of MN Wild
#4 - Mickey’s Dining Car

Unique Spots (need all 4)
#1 - Mears Park and Creek
#2 - Raspberry Island/Mississippi River
#3 - Western Sculpture Park
#4 - Rice Park/Landmark Plaza & the Bronze Peanuts Statues

Landmarks (need all 4)
#1 - Father Galtier Monument at Kellogg Mall Park
#2 - Naval Gun on the MN State Capital Mall
#3 - Iggy the Iguana at the MN Science Museum
#4 - Miracle on Ice Statue/Tribute to Herb Brooks

Challenge Selfie (Pick at least One)
#1 - Picture w/ Jon McConnel (Famous Doorman at St. Paul Hotel)
#2 - Visit Governors Mansion on Summit Avenue & get Selfie with Governor*
#3 - Eat at Mickey’s Dining Car & take selfie with a waiter/waitress or cook
#4 - Visit the Keg & Case West 7th Market and take selfie with a shop owner/worker
*you don’t really need a selfie with governor, just a pict in front of mansion will do

Option Responsibilities…
1) Charge your Selfie Taking Device
2) Download St. Paul Selfie Guide & Worksheet
3) Research Selfie Locations and Plan Expedition (Parking, Walking Directions, etc…)
4) Travel to downtown St. Paul
5) Explore St. Paul with Friends and Family
6) Take Selfies!!!! (13 total Pictures Needed) 13 locations = 13 Selfies
7) Create a Poster Highlighting your Selfie Adventure…all 13 Photos with descriptions (descriptions can and should include some info from the Selfie Guide & Worksheet) and a Map of St. Paul with highlighted selfie locations MUST be on this poster! (one poster per group)

Note: you don’t actually have to take “Selfies”, but you or you and your group mates do need to personally be in every picture in order to get credit!!

Project Option #7 – Cross County Skiing/Snowshoeing

Completion Dates - Snow Cover Dependent

Introduction...
This Beyond the Walls option involves a cross-country ski trek (or snow shoe trek) on one of the many ski trails of Minnesota.  The options for cross-country ski trails in Minnesota is endless and all you need to do is pick a trail and complete a 3 to 5 mile portion.  This activity can be completed individually or by a small group of students.

Option Responsibilities...
1) Travel to a designated Cross-Country Ski Trail
2) Complete a designated CC Ski Loop Trail
3) Learn the basics of CC skiing and general operation of equipment
4) take photos throughout your journey to document your adventure
5) Create a Poster that highlights your adventure

Helpful Website...
Detailed info about Cross-Country Skiing in the Three Rivers District Parks...Closest Groomed Cross-Country Ski Trail!   http://www.threeriversparkdistrict.org/

Project Option #8 – Foreign Country Study

Completion Dates – Open All Year

Introduction...
Throughout the school year, eighth grade geographers will travel throughout the entire world studying topics from the major land forms of the seven continents to religious differences in the city of Jerusalem.  We will look at people, how they live and where they live, but every question about the world will not be answered!  The Foreign Country Study is an BTW option to give students a chance to study a country, any country they choose, and explore it to find some answers to questions they may have.  The outline below details each part of this project and what is expected out of each student and their particular county.

Option Responsibilities...
1) Pick a country to study (please inform your Geography Teacher of your choice)
2) Use a wide variety of resources to research (library, internet, etc..)
3) Complete all tasks in outline below
4) Display Final Project in Packet Form or as a Google Slide Presentation
5) This option will be done individually and NOT in Partners

Project Outline...
1. The COVER PAGE - your own design and be creative!
2. Identify the capital, population, and size of your county...LIST
3. List 5 major/most populated cities and include their population.  Please use aBAR GRAPH showing the relation in population between cities.
4. LIST your country’s currency name and its value in US. Dollars.
5. Concerning agriculture, list the major crops grown by your country...  Please display this information on a PIE CHART to show top crops for your country.
6. Describe the economic system in a PARAGRAPH.  Also, LIST the three main exports and imports.  Also show the statistics as to whether your country has or does not have a favorable balance of trade with a BAR GRAPH...do this by comparing their import and export $ totals.
7. Explain the requirements of their educational system in a PARAGRAPH.
8.Describe their system/form of government in a PARAGRAPH
9.Compare your country to the USA with the following...
a) per capita income
b) life expectancy
c) percentage of people who live under poverty level
      ***show this information with the use of 3 SEPARATE BAR GRAPHS***
10.Write a general description of your “culture”...include the following:
  a) customs and courtesies
  b) people (language, and religion)
  c) lifestyle (family, dating, marriage, diet, recreation, holidays)
       ***3PARAGRAPHS***
11. Make a multicolored MAP which shows your countries major political
borders, important physical features and major cities.  ***remember to
include a title, legend, and tons of color!
12. FLAG of the nation on an 8 1/2 x 11 inch “unlined” piece of paper.
Note: for number 11 & 12…create your original map and flag…take a picture of your creation and place it within your presentation.

Helpful Websites...
http://www.worldatlas.com/
http://www.factmonster.com/countries.html
https://www.cia.gov/index.html

Project Option #9 – Ethnic Holiday Dinner & Celebration

Completion Dates - Open ALL Year

Introduction...
This Beyond the Walls option brings the family together and gets the student into the kitchen.  For this option the student must create a Holiday dinner party that reflects a specific ethnic holiday.  The options for this activity are endless, but the party must not follow typical “Americanized” traditions.  The student must create a holiday atmosphere by using an ethnic table setting, plan a holiday activity for the family, and bake/make/cook ethnic foods for the group to eat.  The meal and party must include ALL aspects of a certain holiday.  Please follow the below criteria for this project.  This activity can be done individually or in small groups.  If a student chooses to complete this project in a small group it is only necessary to complete one poster display for the group...poster and activities must reflect contributions from ALL group members! 

Option Responsibilities...
1) Decorate eating area or table for your specific holiday (the table setting)
2) Plan and Participate in a Ethnic activity
      (ex/ Christmas Caroling around the piano)
3) Create/Cook a meal that follows specific ethnic guidelines
      (main course, side-dishes, drinks, and desert)
4) Take photos of your ethnic experience to document
5) Create a Menu of dinner provided (include on poster)
6) Create a Poster displaying all above information (be professional!!!)

Some possible Holiday examples...
Germany - “Oktoberfest” (Celebrate the Harvest)
Sweden - “St. Lucia” (Lent)
Italian New Year “Throwing out the Pans”
Scottish New Year “First Footing”
Japanese New Year “Oshogatsu”
Japan “Vesak” (Buddha’s B-Day)
England “Morris Dancing” (May Day)
Japan “Tango no Sekku” (Boys’ Festival)
Great Britain “Lammas Day” (Harvest)

Helpful Web sites...
http://yahooligans.yahoo.com/around_the_world/holidays/
http://www.festivals.com/~culture/
            **Also might want to see Mr. Gilbert’s book “Feasts and Festivals”**

Project Option #10 – Urban Lake Adventure (Bde Maka Ska!)

Completion Dates – Sept/Oct/Nov. & AprilMay/June

Introduction…
One of the GREATEST treasures of Minneapolis is the Chain of Lakes region about 5 miles southwest of downtown. Bde Maka Ska (pronounced “b-day ma-KHA skah”) is a Dakota name for the marquee lake of this urban lake region. Bde Maka Ska is a native Dakota word that has been passed down in oral history for many years and translates to “White Earth Lake”. This BTW option involves traveling to Minneapolis for a little adventure around one of the most popular lakes in Minnesota.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS LAKE EXPERIENCE

Option Responsibilities…
1) Travel to the Bde Maka Ska (Lake Calhoun) region of Minneapolis
2) Pick a Human Powered Mode of Transport to circumnavigate Lake…
Examples Include = Bike, Rollerblade, Longboard, Skateboard, Unicycle, Walk, Etc…
3) Explore and Circle the Lake…don’t race, take time to explore!
4) Take photos throughout your journey to document your adventure and how they tie to the “5 Themes of Geography” (Location/Place/Interaction/Region/Movement)
5) Create a Poster that highlights your Bde Maka Ska adventure (the 5 Themes)
6) Please Include a Map of Lake/Route on Final Poster

            Click HERE for Directions to the Lake Calhoun (Bde Maka Ska) Area

Project Option #11 – The EPIC Fishing Expedition

Completion Dates – Open During all MN Legal Fishing Seasons

Introduction...
Minnesota, the Land of 10,000 Lakes, where fishing is Life throughout many of our communities, including Waconia.  The EPIC Fishing Expedition is a BTW Option for our Sportsmen and Sportswomen of World Geography.  Fishing is a great way to explore our world and an even better excuse to hop in a boat (or sit on a bucket) with family and friends.  This A-Form option is open year-round and can be completed anytime when fishing is allowed in the state of Minnesota. (during fishing season)

Option Responsibilities...
1) Travel to and Fish on 3 DIFFERENT bodies of water (Lakes or Rivers)
2) Observe & Keep a list of all animals, fish or creatures you observe during your adventure
3) Take Photos throughout your journey to document your adventure
4) Create a Poster that Highlights your EPIC adventure
5) Poster should include a map to show the locations of your chosen “fishing holes” (lakes &/or streams)
6) Optional: Post Trip Fish Fry!!

Note: this project DOES NOT need to be completed in ONE Day...can stretch it out and document as you go, but ALL LAKE Experiences should be completed DURING the Quarter! Meaning…yep great you went fishing last summer on Lake Minnetonka, but this experience did not happen while you were a Geography Student!!

Project Option #12 - Explore a Neighborhood or a Small Town

Completion Dates – Open All Year

Introduction...
EXPLORE...what an exciting word!  For this Beyond the Walls option ,you are to explore a small town or unique Neighborhood within a large city.  Towns and Neighborhoods can be located ANYWHERE on earth, but you need to actually visit the place during your time in World Geography.  The main objective of this activity is to explore a new location and find the little places (stores, museums, parks, restaurants, historic sites, etc) within your chosen place that make the little town or neighborhood UNIQUE and cool!

Example “Neighborhoods” = Linden Hills, Russian Hill, Grand Avenue, 50th & France
MN Monthly Article - 12 Great Neighborhoods
MN Monthly Article - Twin Cities’ Best Neighborhoods

Example “Small Towns” =  Little Falls, Pequot Lakes, Lutsen, St. Peter & New Ulm
The Crazy Tourist Article - 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in MN
The Thrillist - Best Small Towns in Minnesota
Explore MN.com - 10 Charming MN Mainstreets

Option Responsibilities...
1) Travel to your chosen Neighborhood or Small town
2) Walk, Drive, Bike & Explore Location to “get a feel”
3) Take Photos throughout your journey to document your exploration
4) Create a Poster about your town or Neighborhood
5) Create a TOP TEN list of MUST DO’s if you would visit your particular town or neighborhood…this Top Ten MUST Be displayed on Poster!
6) Create & Include an original map of your place that you created while visiting

Example Top Ten - Waconia!
1) Boating on Lake Waconia
2) Eat Pizza at Lola’s on the deck overlooking the lake
3) Take a picture sitting on the Tank
4) Shop at the Wild Bird Store
5) Take in a Movie at the Mueller Family Theatre
6) Grab a cup of Coffee at Mocha Monkey
7) Have a Picnic at City Square Park
8) Ride the Slide at Safari Island
9) Hang out with Mr. Gilbert
10) Visit ALL THREE Subway Restaurants

Note: ALL Neighborhoods and Small Towns must be AT LEAST 15 miles from Waconia & the list of possible study places is virtually ENDLESS...the links above could help in your choice...or Google “cool or cute” towns in Minnesota! Cannot do the following cities: Waconia, Norwood Young America, Cologne, Victoria, St. Boni, Watertown, Mayer or New Germany

Project Option #13 – Visit a College Campus!

Completion Dates – Open All Year

Introduction...
As an 8th grader you are CLOSER THAN YOU THINK to making the BIG step into adulthood, so it is TIME to starting thinking and planning ahead...So why not Visit a College campus and get some SCHOOL credit?  Any college or university will work for this option, but we do want the trip to be the MAIN focus of your adventure...meaning don’t just snap a couple pictures during a sports event or a quick visit...really focus on digging into the campus and explore.  THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE IS FUN FUN FUN!!!

Option Responsibilities...
1) Travel to a College/University Campus
2) Take a Stroll around the campus and “get a feel” of College Life
3) Take Photos of Campus Highlights (Cafeteria, Dorms, Academic Buildings, Sports Arena)
4) Chat with a current student, professor or visit Admissions Office and fill out “College Interview Sheet”
5) Create a Poster about your College Adventure
6) Optional: Call ahead and get an official Tour of campus (Colleges are always VERY willing to make this happen)

List of Great Local Colleges that would be fun to visit: Gustavus, St. Thomas, Hamline, UofM, Crown, Minnesota State, Winona State, St. Cloud State, Augsburg, St. Catherine...the list goes on!

CLICK HERE to download a College Campus Visit Sheet!

Project Option #14 - Odd Ball Geography

Completion Dates – Open All Year

Introduction...
Land of the world's largest prairie chicken, birthplace of Spam, and home of the world's oldest rock, this is Minnesota, where summers are short, winters are long, and back-road wonders abound. This entertaining guide wastes no time with descriptions of scenic lakes, pristine bike trails, or quaint cafes. Instead it directs travellers (and residents) to the spot where Tiny Tim strummed his last notes on the ukulele; to the Cold Spring chapel where two grasshoppers bow down to the Virgin Mary; and to the McLeod County Museum, where the mummy on display could be from Peru or outer space. While ordinary tourists are fighting off mosquitoes in the Boundary Waters, oddball travellers can size up the world's largest ear of corn and admire the fourth Zamboni ever built. And one last thing: there aren't 10,000 lakes in Minnesota; there are 14,215. For travellers who are in search of the unusual, there is no better reason to park the bike and hiking boots in the garage, fill up the gas tank, and hit the road to Minnesota, where weirdness awaits.

Note: the above intro is the description of “Odd Ball Minnesota” from Amazon.com...a guide to all the unique (odd) places in MN...Mr. Gilbert does have a copy of this book and can be checked out for a weekend...first come first serve!

Option Responsibilities...
1) Travel to ONE of the Geographical “Oddities” of Minnesota...chosen location must be highlighted in either the “Odd Ball Minnesota: A Guide to Some Really Strange Places” by Jerome Pohlen or on RoadsideAmerica.com “Minnesota Attractions”
2) Spend 20 to 30 minutes “Hanging out” at your chosen “Odd” Location...get to know it!
3) Take Photos to Highlight ALL aspects of your Oddity (try to include a “location” photo...street/highway/town sign)
4) Take a series of photos that highlight all unique aspects of your chosen Oddity and how they tie to the “5 Themes of Geography” (Location/Place/Interaction/Region/Movement)
4) Create a Poster about your Odd Adventure (Maps, Photos, History, Brief Description...tell the story if this odd place!!!) *5 Theme Focus*

Example Places in MN: Visit the Jolly Green Giant, Worlds Largest Praire Chicken, the Largest Ball of Twine, a giant fish, visit brithplace of Mr. Honkomp or even Gnometown USA!

Helpful Websites...
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/location/mn
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1556524781/ref=rdr_ext_tmb

Project Option #15 – Geographical Literature

Completion Dates – Open All Year

Introduction...
Reading is an excellent way to explore the world.  This option gives students a chance to learn about geography from the eyes of an author.  All of the book choices are “first hand” accounts of different places and experiences, that are guaranteed (by your geography teachers) to get you excited about travel and the world.

Option Responsibilities...
1) Select and read a pre-approved Travel Book
2) Print & Fill out A-Form Book Review Form (See Link Below)
3) Create a Poster Advertising/Highlighting your book to other readers

CLICK HERE to download BTW Book Review Form

Approved Book List...
No Summit Out of Sight - Jordan Romero
A Long Way Gone - Ishmael Beah
The Boy Who Biked the World Part One - Alastair Humphreys
Between a Rock and a Hard Place – Aaron Ralston
Walk Across America – Peter Jenkins
3 Cups of Tea – Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin
A Walk in the Woods – Bill Bryson
Into the Wild – John Krakauer
The Final Frontiersman – James Campbell
Ghost Soldiers – Hampton Sides
Kite Runner – Khaled Hosseini
The Kitchen Boy - Robert Alexander
When Elephants Fight - Eric Walters & Adrian Bradbury
Sarafina’s Promise - Ann E. Burg
Tree Girl - Ben Mikaelsen (based on a true story)

Note: ALL Above titles can be found at either the School Library or within the Carver County Library System. (Also titles can be purchased on Amazon)

Project Option #16 - Best HIKE IN CARVER COUNTY

The Crosby Lake Link Loop within Carver Park Reserve is THE BEST HIKE in all of Carver County. Of course, this is my (Mr. Gilbert) opinion (so try to change my mind haha), but I do guarantee that this hike will be worth the time and effort. Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter…this is a great way to recharge the mind, body and soul…and it is only a quick ten minute drive to the trailhead from downtown Waconia. (Added Bonus…I spend quite a bit of time on this trail, so you might be graced with my presence)

Note: this 3.2 mile hike involves linking the Maple Trail, Oak Trail, Aspen Trail and the Tamarack Trail…Can be done Clockwise or Counterclockwise for direction of travel from Nature Center!

Completion Dates – Open All Year

1) Travel to Carver Park Reserve/Lowry Nature Center (Victoria, MN)
2) Walk/Hike the Crosby Lake Loop (bring a dog, friend or parent)
2) Observe & Keep a list of all animals, fish or creatures you observe during your adventure
3) Take Photos throughout your hike to document your adventure
4) Create a Poster that Highlights your Hiking Adventure
5) Poster should include a map of the area and highlight your route
6) Optional: Post Hike Stop at DQ for an Ice Cream Treat in Victoria on way home!

Helpful Web Links…
PDF of Crosby Lake Loop Trail Map
PDF Map of Carver Park
Carver Park/Lowry Nature Center Website

Note: you won’t be disappointed if you take some extra time to stop in and check out the Lowry Nature Center during this adventure…the only reason “stopping in” is not included with this adventure is that the Hiking Trail is basically open all the time and the Nature Center as limited hours!

Project Option #17 - personal Vacation/getaway

I NEED A VACATION...yep everyone needs to get away from it all from time to time & this BTW option is a chance to use your personal vacation for class credit!  For this Beyond the Walls option, we are asking you to “tell your vacation story” for all to learn from your adventure. More than likely this vacation is exploring a NEW place for you and your adventure buddies (maybe your family), so we are going to have you “tell the story” through the lens of the “5 Themes of Geography” and a little TOP TEN of the “Must See/Do” of your destination.

NOTE: Travel MUST be done DURING the Semester that assignment is completed!!

Completion Dates – Open All Year

1) Go on Vacation!
2) Walk, Drive, Bike & Explore your Destination (get to know the place)
3) Take Photos & gather Maps/Brochures to document your adventures
4) Create a Poster about your Vacation Destination
5) Using 5 of your Trip Photos…classify the “5 Themes of Geography” of this place
Reminder = Location, Place, Interaction, Region & Movement are the 5 Themes
5) Create a TOP TEN list of MUST SEE/Things to DO for the future travelers to this destination…this Top Ten MUST Be displayed on Poster!
6) Include a basic map of your place (easily can find a tourist map at destination)

Helpful Web Links…
5 Themes of Geography Discussion Notes (Review)

Project Option #18 – Explore MN (Through Maps)

Completion Dates – Open All Year

Introduction…
Maps, Maps and more Maps…well and the State Bird survey and a scavenger hunt about Minnesota! SOUNDS LIKE a “Grand Ole Time”…right!?! Yes, you will be diggin in a bit and learning more about the Land of 10,000 lakes…FYI - you need to see Mr. Gilbert (in class) for a large format copy of the “Explore Minnesota” activity packet that needs to be completed to fulfill* this BTW option.

Note: * actually there is a a 2nd part of this option…a short final assessment (quiz) that needs to be passed upon completion of the Explore Minnesota activity packet…this Quiz can be taken during regular classroom hours prior to the end of a trimester! (and YES, you do need to “pass” this assessment with a score of 80% or better)

Project Option #19 – Create Your OWN Adventure!

Completion Dates – Open All Year

Introduction…
The World Geography Teachers here at Waconia Middle School are ALWAYS looking for new Beyond the Walls project ideas, so here is your chance to INVENT!  If you think a particular activity would fit into our Beyond the Walls program, we invite you to write up a quick proposal of your idea.  Proposals must be written in the same format as the above projects…including: 1) Introduction 2) Completion Dates 3) Option Responsibilities 4) Helpful Online resources.  If APPROVED (by a Geography Teacher) you can complete your ORIGINAL Beyond the Walls project for credit…BE CREATIVE & think GEOGRAPHY!!! 

Note: ALL Proposals for the “Create Your Own” BTW Adventure need to be typed (no longer than one page in length) & submitted to your Geo teacher for approval PRIOR to a student completing the experience!