In this cross-curricular project, 6th graders designed their own utopian civilizations, connecting themes from The Giver in English with the study of civilizations in Mr. Friedman's social studies class. They incorporated math and science as well—choosing a natural element to sustain their world and creating a currency system to price rent, groceries, and salaries. Starting with the question, “What would I change if I had a magic wand?” students quickly learned that running a society takes more than good intentions—someone still has to build the roads! Through creativity, collaboration, and revision, they brought to life imaginative yet realistic worlds that reveal how deeply they understand the systems shaping our own.

Daniella Schepps
6th English