8th Grade: “Into the Wild”

“Into the Wild” is the 8th grade capstone, an independent studies project that encourages our 8th grade students to explore a topic of interest that extends beyond the classroom and into the wild world beyond. Spanning the entire school year, projects and presentations are limitless. This year our students’ projects ranged from a cookbook to a self-built computer, an illustrated comic book, basketball coaching, photography, an in-depth guide on three musical genres, book on dog training, and a short film.

Once decided on the topic of their “Into the Wild” project, students are supported to recruit a mentor, who is an expert in the field of study they have chosen, and who can provide them with a deeper insight into their chosen area of interest.

Throughout the project, students blog about their process to the Oak Grove community, allowing them not only to develop their own style and voice but also share their progress with an authentic audience, reflect on the essential learnings and experiences, and set goals for the future. Leading them away from campus, students create their own field trip relating to their project and invite a classmate to attend. Locations may include an art exhibit, a business or office, a speaker, a theater performance, an interesting place in Ventura County or other nearby location that students have not visited before.

A final requirement for their project is community involvement and impact, and finding a way to connect their project to a charitable organization. Students can volunteer at a non-profit; lead a club or workshop within the school day that helps educate and energize the community; or organize, plan, and execute a fundraising event for a specific cause.

The “Into the Wild” project culminates with a final presentation toward the end of the year, during which students share their learning journey with the entire Oak Grove community.