Curriculum printed!

The Schooba curriculum works as an interactive guide, where  a combination of lessons, activities, and demonstrations present standards-based science through scuba diving.

In the pilot curriculum, 5 NYS Intermediate Level (Grades 5-8) Science Core Curriculum Major Understandings are covered:

– LE 1.2d  During respiration, cells use oxygen to release the energy stored in food.  The respiratory system supplies oxygen and removes carbon dioxide (gas exchange)

– PE 2.1b  As altitude increases, air pressure decreases

– PE 3.1d  Gases have neither a determined shape nor a definite volume.  Gases assume the shape and volume of a closed container

– PE 3.1h  Density can be described as the amount of matter that is in a given amount of space.  If two objects have equal volume, but one has more mass, the one with more mass is denser

– PE 3.1i  Buoyancy is determined by comparative densities

Not the best pic in the world, but a general sense of what they look like

Help kids learn science through scuba diving!

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Pilot approaching

Our first pilot program is set to launch in January, 2011.  As the deadline nears, some details seem to be emerging.

It looks like we’ll be working with 8 students (grades 8 and 9) for a 6 week program and covering 5 NYS Intermediate Level Science Core Curriculum Major Understandings:

– The Living Environment: 1.2d  During respiration, cells use oxygen to release the energy stored in food.  The respiratory system supplies oxygen and removes carbon dioxide (gas exchange).

– The Physical Environment: 2.1b  As altitude increases, air pressure decreases.

– The Physical Environment: 3.1 d  Gases have neither a determined shape nor a definite volume.  Gases assume the shape and volume of a closed container.

– The Physical environment: 3.1h  Density can be described as the amount of matter that is in a given amount of space.  If two objects have equal volume, but one has more mass, the one with more mass is denser.

– The Physical Environment: 3.1i  Buoyancy is determined by comparative densities.

We are working to foster the students’ sustained engagement in science.  In the spirit of Einstein (“It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.”), our short-term measures (weeks 0 – 6) of our success will compare to what degree students spend more time on, put more effort into, and engage in more challenging science problems after the program.

Pilot date set!

For January 15!

I will likely be running two courses serving 8-10 students total.  The curriculum will connect the PADI Scuba Diver training to 5 NYS Intermediate Level Science Core Curriculum Major Understandings:

• The Living Environment: 1.2d  During respiration, cells use oxygen to release the energy stored in food.  The respiratory system supplies oxygen and removes carbon dioxide (gas exchange).
• The Physical Environment: 2.1b  As altitude increases, air pressure decreases.
• The Physical Environment: 3.1d  Gases have neither a determined shape nor a definite volume.  Gases assume the shape and volume of a closed container.
• The Physical Environment: 3.1h  Density can be described as the amount of matter that is in a given amount of space.  If two objects have equal volume, but one has more mass, the one with more mass is denser.
• The Physical Environment: 3.1i  Buoyancy is determined by comparative densities.

To complete the pilot, it seems that I will need to:

• Raise a certain amount of money.  Said amount to be determined.
• Take care of the legal stuff
• Get the necessary insurance
• Get the kids
• Develop the curriculum
• Develop my measures of assessment
• Get in-kind donations for:
  • PADI Open Water Diver Manuals
  • The PADI Open Water Video
  • SCUBA equipment
  • A pool to train in

What am I missing?

My one pager, take 2

Let me know what you think … seriously.

The Schooba Academy

Teaching Science through SCUBA

Who we are:

The Schooba Academy has designed a curriculum that aligns the PADI Open Water Scuba Diver training to address 20 NYS Intermediate Level Science Core Curriculum Major Understandings.  In our program, students from low-income communities are paired with a screened and qualified mentor, and together they complete the Schooba course.  Throughout the program, the student receives 1:1 tutoring from their mentor on the science involved in SCUBA diving.

Why we work:

We believe that a knowledge of science empowers people to be critical and conscious citizens, and that an authentic, long-term engagement is the best foundation for this knowledge.  Unfortunately, students from low-income communities continue to lack skills and an interest in the sciences when compared to their higher-income peers.

The Schooba Academy’s mission is to foster a sustained engagement in science  for students from low-income communities through the learning of SCUBA diving.

What will happen:

A student that completes our program will become a student that sees science as an interesting and worthwhile investment.  This student will perform better in science academically, pursue careers and opportunities in science more aggressively, and be more critical and conscious in their decisions.

Partnership:

The Schooba Academy is looking to partner with various SCUBA related businesses.  We are in need of PADI Open Water Diver Manuals, SCUBA equipment, and the use of pool facilities.  In return, our partners will receive:

• The opportunity of being a part of a new and innovative organization dedicated to helping young people in need
• Positive PR and the opportunity of marketing their involvement with The Schooba Academy
• Retail traffic
• Exclusive Open Water training dive referrals for our partnering dive shop