Classroom Without Walls: Families: 7th grade: Chicamocha Canyon

Chicamocha Canyon

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In seventh grade, students will visit Santander, specifically the area around Barichara and Jordan. Focus will be on how the geography of an area determines the socioeconomic characteristics of the place, socio economic problems in the region and the development of solutions and how the impact of some economic practices can have an impact on the living situation of some colombians. Students will learn about the rammed earth building technique and help to build a rammed earth home. They will hike down into a canyon (not any old canyon, did you know that they did a review of the top wonders of the world and this canyon came in at number 77 - there are A LOT of amazing places on this planet so that is actually a really high score). Once they get down there, they will freshen up in a gorgeous natural swimming pool. They will learn all about the Lengerke trail roads and the slightly abandoned town of Jordan. Once they climb out the other side, this involves a super exciting early start and a headlamp (best to get out before the sun gets hot), they will then travel back across the canyon in a cable car. It is really awesome for them to see the areas they walked and realize just how proud they should be. And then, of course, there is a bit of rafting to enjoy the landscapes of the area and get them ready for the eighth grade rafting expedition. All in all an action packed week!!!

Discover all the details about this program:

FLIER (English version)

CIRCULAR (Spanish version)

Learn more about Zambo, the company we collaborate with for this CWW program.

Introductory Video

Webpage

Scope and Sequence

• Connections between class and this CWW program are based around the humanities theme - interconnection. We also explore how advances in technologies can sometimes have unintended consequences - both good and bad (Jordan is a living example of this). Specifically, in the field of science, we will explore the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem. We will look at ways to monitor and minimize human impact on the environment. Finally, we will look at how synthetic materials actually come from natural resources and how they impact society. Focus in sociales is on how knowing the past actually helps me to understand the present. We look at how the socio geographics of a territory determine the socioeconomic characteristics of the area. We have exposure to how Colombia is a country with a lot of promise and the economic development that it has in distinct sectors. We explore how daily experiences are the seed that can motivate our writing. We practice this concept by writing short stories about moments we have lived on our journey.
• This program gives ample opportunity for being deep thinkers throughout the hike but also in reflection activities that will take place at the bottom of the canyon. This is an important skill in our learner profile. 
• There will be a core value focused on responsibility and caring with success skills focused on collaboration. Collaboration will be practiced in the form of exploring how to live in a large group - common manners and courtesy - Table manners, behavior on the bus and bathroom use, cleaning up after oneself, being genuinely grateful and leading by influence.
• Outdoor skills will be enhanced with a first time sleeping in a hammock on a CWW program as a longer hike of approximately 4 to 5 hours. This is our students first expedition and a small step towards getting them ready for the upcoming 8th grade and high school programs that are vertically aligned to be more challenging each year. First aid skills of hotspots, dehydration and nosebleeds will be reviewed. Students will be taught how to read and use a topographic map.
• The SDG 12 focus (sustainable development goal) for this CWW program is on responsible consumption and production.