Juniors participate in issue investigation and issue fair
The end of the school year for juniors means the Issue Investigation, which is a project required by the district. The investigation includes a paper and poster detailing background information on a current issue, potential solutions, the optimal solution and possibilities for its implementation.
The Issue Investigation, according to social studies teacher Mike Ryan’s website, aims to develop a student’s “commitment to active citizenship and governance...”
Students present their posters and explain their issues to judges, including community leaders and alumni, at the Issue Fair, which is to be held on Wednesday, June 2.
“By doing so, students develop an understanding of the importance of citizen participation,” according to Ryan’s website.
Because the issue investigation is required for all juniors, social studies teacher Jill Kobernik is running the project at the Tosa School of the Trades (TSOT).
“The students at the TSOT were very apprehensive...I encouraged them to do their best and we would get them through the process,” Kobernik said. “The process of the issue investigation is key. Just learning how to tackle a problem, research their issue and determine solutions is a skill that will be used for the rest of their lives.”
Each student has a choice of current issue which is researched and presented to the class. This allows juniors to gain exposure to many current political issues.
Junior Jane Engelking Heer, who is investigating school lunch programs, said, “The best thing about the issue fair is learning about other issues through the presentations done by fellow classmates.”
Junior Karen Koeble, who is investigating the white flight phenomenon, agreed.
“[I like] learning about different issues that aren’t addressed in the media everyday,” Koeble said.
Students are often able to learn about issues important to them.
Juniors Brad Halverson and Portia Turner are investigating immigration.
“I did have a lot of prior knowledge,” Halverson said, “because our church went on a mission trip…to Mexico and we learned firsthand what goes on down there.”
Students agreed that the project is difficult, however, and one that is time-consuming and complicated.
“I’ve learned better time management because this is a big assignment, and it can’t all be done in one night,” junior Chelsea Peters said.
Junior Kat Geertsen agreed.
“The hardest part is keeping up with the checkpoints and staying motivated and on topic,” she said.
While this may be true, the project prepares students for future research projects and helps them better under-stand their role as citizens, according to social studies teachers.