I-69 abstract

I-69: Making Connections is distance learning project that will give approximately 120 eighth grade students a chance to research the I-69 project and compare their community's perceptions of the project with others in the state. These interactions will be scheduled with Decatur Middle School, South Spencer High School and through CEC. Each interactive experience will help students understand federal Interstate guidelines and their impact on communities.

Through this interdisciplinary project, students use research skills through language arts using resources such as interviewing, surveying, software, print materials, the Internet and distance connections. Comprehension and analysis skills will be the focus of the social studies and language arts teachers' activities created to foster understanding of federal guidelines, and the historical, cultural, and economic impact of Interstate highways. Map reading and using print materials will be important aspects of these activities. In math, students will focus on the career aspect of I-69. They will also tabulate and graph survey results to share with others. In earth science, students will use topographical maps and field trips to understand the geological aspects of building an Interstate. The focus of these studies is a well-rounded view of the I-69 project to help students identify an issue which they feel is a problem so that they can formulate a solution and an action plan. I-69: Making Connections gives students the unique opportunity to research a very explosive community issue by gathering information from those individuals actually in charge of the project.

KEY WORDS: I-69, Community, Interdisciplinary, Interstate, INDOT

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Created: Apr. 17. 2001   Last updated: Apr. 17, 2001. Comment to Dave Bartlett.