Project Based Learning
With the greatest leader above them, the boys barely know one exists. The master teacher works without self-interest and leaves no trace. Project-based learning might not be as new as we think. Boys are excellent at it. It gives them ownership.- English Department Chair Trevor Rees
Math and Science | Designing and Building Roller Coasters
Math instructor Trudy Pyznski’s P'26 Roller Coaster Design Project applies quadratic functions to the real-world. Algebra II students explore the time and distance required for an actual roller coaster to fall from its tallest hill. Students use this activity as a guide to design their own rollercoaster. In the honors level class, they extend the unit and apply their knowledge of polynomials functions as well.
Science | Sustainability
The Sustainability course takes a project-based approach. Students are empowered to come up with their own solutions for making Salisbury more sustainable. With the instructors help, students research and pursue projects that align with their individual interests. Recent projects included the design and implementation of a wildflower meadow on campus, strategies for reducing food waste, partnering with scientists from the Mystic Aquarium to research offshore windmills, and the construction of pollinator hives.
With no formal road map to the curriculum, the course is driven by student interest and the goal of teaching leadership skills to young men in a changing environment. The course builds the foundational skills of public speaking, advocacy, media literacy, and flexibility and resiliency.
History | Coloring our Past
Coloring Our Past allows student to discover and share lost, buried, or ignored stories of heroism, horror, resilience, trauma, and strength with local connections.
In this course, students direct themselves to the stories that interest them most. They authentically research to add more detail, color, and connectivity, and choose what skills they want to employ to present it, authentically and publicly to present a fuller picture of our community.
Media Lab
Each trimester students can choose a videography, digital photography, podcast or graphic design course. In addition to these formal offerings, our Media Lab students join forces with fellow students for cross-curricular projects that combine learning experiences from a variety of classes and activities such as music and mountain biking!
Students explore the esthetics and mechanics of contemporary media including use of latest technologies and processes of digital production.
