Search for the Solution was a service-learning project done by 8th graders in A.J. Morrison School's room 303.

Students sought to isolate causes of success from causes of failure, and to develop strategies to avoid failure and promote success. They sought on an individual basis to avoid the crime and violence prevalent in their neighborhood. They sought to avoid dropping out of high school, which runs at about 60% in this area. They sought to avoid imprisonment, which affects many of the family members of the students. 

Writes their teacher:

"Our project came about in an unusual way. We were watching a report on CNN concerning global warming. As the program ended, it segued into a story on the Jena 6 -- six black teenagers charged with beating a white teenager after a series of racial incidents. My students asked to watch it, and I let them.  Afterward, we had a conversation about racism, opportunity, and potential. From this conversation, students the concept of Searching for a Solution.

"It reflects the duties and obligations of belonging to a community where students often feel threatened.  Before they can go on to change the world, my students are trying to establish in their own lives and neighborhoods opportunities, safety, and security."

Searching for a Solution meets Pennsylvania state standards in literacy, social studies, and math.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION: Is there a common character trait that enables some to be successful in avoiding becoming a criminal statistic, and when lacking, enhances the probability of an individual becoming a criminal statistic? (We are focusing on the 15 -24 age group.)

By February 1:
Book Report:  Street Soldier by Joseph Marshall
Lessons on:    Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs  
                       Piaget’s Stage Development Theory

Activities and Assignments:

1.  Research and submit graphs on crime over the decades for the 15-24 age group.

2.  Essay on social factors affecting crime over the years, i.e. economic factors and historical events. What forces affected the highs and lows the graph represents?
                       
3.  (ongoing) Cut articles from the newspaper or other magazines regarding this topic and summarize them. Include your own written personal response to the information or opinions presented in the article.

January – March:

1.  Video conference with Joseph Marshall, author of Street Soldier

2.      Develop questions for interviewing volunteers who wish to come to our class and meet with our students

3.  Field trip to Roxborough High or other studio to learn about digital filming and editing.

4.      Field trip to prison or juvenile facility to meet with people who were not successful in avoiding crime (emphasis on the 15-24 age group)

5.      Interview people willing to come to our class and meet with our students on what characteristics enabled them to be successful (high school seniors & college students would be welcome as well).

6.      Meet with counselors and discuss the conclusions we’ve reached

April - June:

1.      Publish using five-step writing process in journalist style for final project presentation.

2.      Edit film that can be shown to other students to help them to realize common dangers during the ages 15-24 and how to avoid trouble