School: Gloucester Community Arts Charter School
    Gloucester , Massachusetts, United States

3 students, ages 12,13,14 worked together to complete this Doors to Diplomacy project on March 12, 2012. They have participated in Doors to Diplomacy in the following year(s): 2012

Classes and Teachers: Christopher M. Ahearn, Charley, Jade, Laney

E-Mail contact:

Our School's Web Site: http://www.GCAcharterschool.org

1. Description of Our Team

Mr. Ahearn selected these students based on work ethic and attitude. They were interested in the world and Mr. Ahearn conducted once a week classes on the topics they would be researching.

2. Summary of Our Project

Each student selected a nation, each in a different continent. The studentsnwerentold to research demographics, tourist attractions, famous people, and find a connection to their hometown. This research was submitted, reviewed, and placed on the site.

3. Our Computer and Internet Access

A. Percentage of students using the Internet at home:less than 20

B. Number of workstations with Internet access in the classroom:2-3

C. Connection speed used in the classroom:dedicated connection

D. Number of years our classroom has been connected to the Internet:2-3

E. Additional comments concerning your computer and/or Internet access (Optional):

Students brought in wireless-enabled computers in order to work on this due to the lack of wired computers in the school. Students used a two laptops and two tablet PCs to conduct all of the research on this project.

4. Problems We Had To Overcome

There was no funding for this project, and very limited internet access. If the students did not bring in their computers, they had to share or use Mr. Ahearn's iPad.

5. Our Project Sound Bite

These students learned things about other nations that they would not have been exposed to until their junior and senior years of high school. This early exposure to international relations creates a much more global perspective for these young citizens.

6. How did your activities and research for this Doors to Diplomacy Project support standards, required coursework and curriculum standards?

The standards fit were the MA geography standards from grade 6 along with world history standards from the high school frameworks. Students used this project as the basis of a weekly enrichment class in addition to their social studies curriculum. Students were taught the elements of economics, international relations, and the basis to contemporary world cultures. Due to the lack of Internet in the school, the students conducted the entire class in a small portion of their science classroom instead of their social studies classroom.

1) What information tools & technologies did you used to complete your Doors to Diplomacy project?

Students used their own laptops, tablet computers, Mr. Ahearn's iPad, and the Internet for this project. In addition to that, students participated in small conversations and lectures with Mr. Ahearn about unfamiliar topics. Pictures were either taken on camera phones or found online and referenced in bibliographies.

2) In what ways did you act as "ambassadors" and spokespersons for your Doors to Diplomacy project both on-line and in person.

Students (after final submission) will present their work to the school as a whole. The school has used its participation in the project for an example of broad based awareness of complex global issues that are typically not addressed by students at this age. People are very impressed with our students, and for good reason!

3) What has been the impact of your project on your community?

Our students that participated in this project have already learned and begun asking other questions. Also, students have connected elements learned in this class to what they are seeing on the news and hearing from their parents. Most importantly, their other teachers have recognized their efforts outside of their normal classes to accomplish this project.

4) How did your project involve other members of your community as helpers and volunteers?

The main helpers outside from our web sources is GCA. They supported us with everything we needed on limited funds.