ACA relaunches award-winning Immersion Project

12.12.06

---

 

High school students experienced a blending of the arts and academics, as Arbor Christian Academy relaunched the Immersion Project in December.

Immersion is a unit study in which the entire high school studies a certain subject or time period in all of their classes.

During the three weeks that Immersion lasts, students from various grades are split up into teams; the teams conduct research and do hands-on projects outside of class.

The topic for the current project is “The Renaissance,” and hands-on learning activities include:

• A sampling of the period’s cuisine – unique breads and delicacies such as strawberry tarts, custard and goat’s milk
• A competition in which students research and unlock the codes of Renaissance art pieces
• Artistic endeavors such as sculpting and painting frescoes
• Guest speaker Dr. Robert Krause from WTAMU
• Costumes and musical instruments for students to view as well as participate in learning Renaissance dance steps
• A simultaneous reading of Dante’s Inferno

 

Arbor Christian Academy’s Immersion Project was recently named an Exemplary School Program by the Association of Christian Schools International.

First launched during the 2005-06 school year, the Immersion project began with the topic “World War II.”

Highlights included a simulation of what it was like to be abducted by German soldiers, a seminar presented by a veteran, and a special guest speaker who is a Holocaust survivor.

ACA’s high school principal, Jennifer Wilkerson, says the project has been highly successful so far.

“Throughout their high school years, students learn a little bit about a lot of different subjects,” she said.

“The purpose of Immersion is to allow students to learn a lot about one particular subject.”

Incorporating fun activities into typical study methods makes it an enjoyable experience for all.

Wilkerson says the goal is “to develop in students a love of learning that will last a lifetime.”