Student+Audience

A 7th grade class from St. Barnabas Catholic grade school (K-8) in Indianapolis consists of 27 students: 15 female and 12 male. The suburban school is part of a parish of 900 families, and the elementary school is the largest of the south deanery, with 745 students. 18% of the students qualify for Federal free- and reduced-price lunch. Because most families have computers have home, the majority of students come ready with at least primary mouse and keyboard skills. However, they have minimal skills in critical analysis of sources. The middle school grades are well versed in mobile technology (iPods, mp3 players, cellular phones), but still maintain Google as their information portal. CYO sports plays a large role in their lives, with 72% of the students participating in some sport for both seasons, spring and fall. The 7th graders are discovering the opposite sex, fashion, personal hygiene, and digital technology. 68% of the students have braces. Peer pressure is beginning to be applied toward dating, body embellishment (pierced ears, hair accessories), and being cool. New technology is cool. For the solar system unit, I will be employing the iPad (ultra cool) loaded with NASA apps which feature 3D models of planets and constellations. An online collaboration tool will be used with the teams preparing their presentation. The real world connection comes from the collaboration, and the activity that simulates actual social intercourse.

The senior class at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis is 303 students strong, each one finishing up a stringent college-prep high school course. Diversity is the mission at Cathedral, so the 1250 students range from poverty level to millionaires, native Spanish speakers to Thespian club members, learning disabled to perfect SAT scorers. 38% of the student body receives tuition aid through the Cathedral Fund. There are 5 academic levels: Language Support Program, College-Prep, Academic, Honors, AP, and IB. The students use cell phones as an extension of their needs, thoughts, and desires, but they also maintain Google as their information portal. 74% of the student body involve themselves in extracurricular activities, and the service requirement of the school offers opportunities for public service such as Habitat for Humanity, and St. Vincent de Paul Society. Teenagers are typically self centered, narcissistic, impulsive, easily distracted, and concerned with image, both physical and social. The activity that requires them to become a celestial being fits perfectly with their oversized egos. The "model UN" approach will allow for real world understanding of how to communicate effectively in a global setting.