The Propeller

Wrapping a Successful Pilot at the Applewild School

In Search of Deeper Learning chronicles the quest of award-winning professor Jal Mehta and accomplished educator Sarah Fine to uncover deeper learning in America’s schools. What they found is that deeper learning is more often an exception than the rule, but that powerful pockets of deeper learning exist in America’s schools and they are often found on the fringes – in extra-curriculars and electives.  Their critically acclaimed book has led many to ask, “How do we bring what lives on the periphery to the center of the school day?”

That’s a question EXPLO tried to answer this fall when it partnered with the Applewild School in Fitchburg, Massachusetts.  In between math, ELA and other courses, seventeen 7th graders immersed themselves in a complex crime scene simulation as part of EXPLO forensic science. You can read more about the pilot here.

This pilot was a proof of concept and we’re now interested in expanding the conversation.  We learned a lot from this test and we want to learn more.  We’re in the early design phase of this work and want to talk with school leaders who are trying to make the move from delivering content to creating experiences that prepare students to think, adapt, and lead in an unpredictable world.  Reach out.  We’d love to chat.