PRE-TRIP PHASE
o    Process Development (the big picture)
o    Building prior knowledge
o    Research (becoming experts)
o    Fundraising

This year the REALMS Travel-Study Program will involve learning expeditions focused on issues relating to and about Vancouver Island, BC.  This area is rich in geology, archeology, and culture.  The 2+ week field experience will culminate the in-depth investigations in Humanities, Science and other subject areas.  The goal is for students to build their knowledge through preparatory study that will become background for authentic investigation -- experiences and fieldwork. 

In Humanities-K, students will build background knowledge in the areas of archeology, native cultures (Kwakwaka’wakw, Nuchanutl), other cultures who have influenced the area, and the current issues surrounding these. In Science, . . .  In Humanities-T . . . Students will also learn economic concepts through undertaking a fundraising effort to help pay for the trip and build ownership.  As we get closer to the trip,in Science and both Humanities classes, students will design individual research and prepare a Building Background Knowledge activity for the class.  Each student will also design a field research question and investigation to be implemented during the trip phase.