BENNY-DICTION ON-LINE!
Volume 11, Number 2, On-Line Edition, May 23, 1999
A Revolution in Boston!by Kyle C., '03
From April 26 through May 4, Ben Bronz Academy held a second research week. Research week is when the entire academy studies a broad topic which normally isn't covered in classes. Students research topics, write papers, and present information about different aspects of a subject. Spring research week focused on the Revolutionary War. Almost the whole academy was able to experience history through Revolutionary War sights along the Freedom Trail in Boston.
Boston was chosen as the field trip site because many key events of the Revolutionary War took place there. Students visited the location of critical battles like Bunker Hill, and Lexington and Concord. Most of the students' research was done along the Freedom Trail. A favorite place visited was the Old North Church, which was where the two lanterns were hung to warn the colonists that the Redcoats were coming. Students also saw the tallest building in Boston, the John Hancock Building, which is has an exterior almost completely made of glass. Boston Common, which at that time was a place for hangings and meetings, was also a highlight.
After returning from Boston, students got right to work on their papers, visuals, and presentations. The presentations were well done and informative. Even new students did an excellent job and definitely EARNED all the credit they were given. Some students presented fictional books about the Revolution. Others, like Sheena, who did her presentation on the Sons and Daughters of Liberty and Justin, who researched George Washington, focused on specific areas of the Revolutionary War.
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Here is our expeditionary force of 52 students and 17 teachers posing in front of the statue of Paul Revere in Boston's North End. Old North Church is in the background. |
Students had an opportunity to give feedback about the research week experience during the wrap-up meeting. The majority of the comments were positive. Most of the students liked having the free time at the mall and at the hotel. Still, others complained about all of the walking they had to do (some of which was in the wrong direction because the guide was lost). "We had like mad free time at the mall. There was a lot of stuff there," exclaimed Sheena when asked for her opinion. She also like the fact that much of the information was repeated, giving students many opportunities to process the information. "I had a lot of time to study my topic better and practice my presentation," added Justin.
Students also had a chance to have fun and get to know each other better. Waiting to meet up with the others, one group was able to enjoy a game of hacky sack. There were trips to a local mall and Quincy Market. Even though students had to stay with mediators and it rained, they felt they were able to visit all of the stores they wanted. A highlight of the bus ride was when Darnell conducted and choreographed the students singing songs like "We're Off To See The Wizard" and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star".
It was, without a doubt, the one of the best research weeks ever, mostly because no one got suspended or and everyone got their work done. Tim Zueschner, our Dean of Students and Research Week Organizer, definitely accomplished his goal. The students had fun and learned at the same time. Even though the week was filled with museums, monuments, deadlines, and projects, everyone was able to finish a paper, visual and presentation. "This was by far the most well behaved research week group we have ever had," announced Tim as we were leaving Boston to home.
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is an occasional publication written and mostly edited by the students at Ben Bronz Academy. This is a Special Edition, featuring some of the Research Papers written by the students. |
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