"The Everest Challenge" will lead students into the adventure of reading nonfiction!
I teach eighth grade science in a large, diverse middle school. We are what is called a tier one school, meaning that we have the greatest number of students in the learning gap. Despite that label, we have been very successful on state testing for No Child Left Behind due to creative and well design educational opportunities that engage the learner.
After studying state testing data for my school, the leadership team identified a weakness in the category of reading nonfiction by boys.
"The Everest Challenge" is designed to engage students, especially boys, that struggle with reading, in high adventure literature circles. It also uses the topics of plate tectonics and mountain building taught in the earth science classrooms. The three texts requested are different accounts from three climbing teams of the 1996 Everest tragedy. Students will discuss the disaster based on the account from their book choice. Students will also be exposed to mountain climbing equipment, an IMAX video, and a visit from a climbing instructor to build on the excitement in the books. Science teachers and reading teachers will coordinate the literature circles. "The Everest Challenge" will repeat as circles conclude and books become available for a new group of readers. Single copies of books related to Everest from the library will be used to encourage students to "climb higher" with reading.
Based on data, we have identified an academic need. We think we have a solution, but no funding. We can't take the students to Mt. Everest, but thanks to you, we may be able to bring "The Everest Challenge" to them.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Las and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.