Glades Middle School had teachers from grade six to grade eight working together to answer the essential question, If I Could Change the World...? Each teacher gave their class a driving question specific to the subject area and topic they were covering. This driving question gave students a road map to guide them on their journey of discovery.

Ms. Asher (Geography): How can learning about each other’s cultures help change the world? As a class we have researched different cultures around the world in an effort to create change through knowledge. The first step in this project was brainstorming how this understanding could make a difference. This what the students came up with:

          - Create a greater understand among humans of different cultures.
          - Create worldwide friendships.
          - Help prevent war through understanding each other’s differences.
          - If we learn about each other there will be less hate crimes.
          - Help to prevent poverty in the world.
          - Broaden our education of the world.
          - People can learn about different religions.
          - People can experience a greater variety of food.
          - People can learn about different fashions.
          - People can learn new languages and music.
          - Unite countries
          - Learn about ways of life in a different country.
          - Learn from different countries.
          - Create peace and unity through understanding.

Learn more about Mr. Asher's students' work at: http://blogs.browardschools.com/glides/haasher/

Mrs. Barrocas (World History): Mrs. Barrocas's third period World History class chose the topic of technology and inventions for our Glides project. The students researched a variety of technologies and ideas that came about before 100 C.E. The student's project show how these technologies have advanced and possibly changed over the centuries. Also, the students gained understanding of how we still use these ideas today. Learn more about what students learned at http://blogs.browardschools.com/glides/bgbarrocas/

Ms. Farkas (Science): Mrs. Farkas' First Period class was given the task to explore possible answers to this question, while focusing on civilization's need for sources of energy. We started the exploration by discussing the reality of high-energy costs. Afterwards we brainstormed different alternatives to fossil fuels. Students chose an alternative energy source to research and present a final presentation on. During the process, students were able to explore the processes involved in creativity and the different products of that creativity. They were able to appreciate their creative endeavors and the consequences of their choices in this process through self-reflection. In addition, along the way students were given the opportunity to learn and use technological tools that allows them to express their creativity.

Ms. McMahon (Reading): How can we solve the problems in our community? The students in Ms. McMahon’s 6th hour Reading class were given the topic of humanitarianism. We brainstormed problems that affected our society as a whole and then decided that our focus should be on problems that affected us as people who lived in Florida. The topics that were chosen by the students were: Recycling, Protecting the Florida Everglades, Florida’s Endangered Species, Water Pollution/Beach Clean-Up, and Helping the Homeless. The students were split into groups and spent a month researching these various topics with a focus on how the average citizen of Florida could help make a change. The students then chose the media format they were going to use to share their knowledge with others. They used multimedia programs s as well as digital cameras and camcorders to compile their findings into a multimedia presentation. We invite you to click on the link below to view each of the presentations designed by the students: http://blogs.browardschools.com/glides/cmmcmahon/

Mr. Scott (Science): The students in Mr. Scott’s 4th hour Science class were given the topic of renewable resources. We discussed the harmful affects of fossil fuels and more environmentally friendly alternatives. We brainstormed different ways we could convince the general population to help change the world by stopping fossil fuel usage. We discussed media formats and different themes. The topics that were chosen by the students were: Hydroelectric, Geothermal, Nuclear, Wind, Solar and Trash. The students were split into groups and spent a month researching these various topics with a focus on how the average citizen of the world could help make a change. The students then chose the media format and theme they were going to use to share their knowledge with others. They used multimedia software as well as digital cameras and camcorders to compile their findings into a multimedia presentation. We invite you to click on the link below to view each of the presentations designed by Mr. Scott's students: http://blogs.browardschools.com/glides/mlscott/

Ms. Taylor (Language): How has music changed the world? How have musicians channeled their lyrics and instruments to create change? The 1950's-2000's will be explored as we examine artists such as: The Supremes, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Madonna, 2-Pac, and the creation of the i-Pod. These musicians used their music to convey a message of change by using beats and lyrics that everyone could enjoy and identify with. How would our world and music be different if these musicians had not created their style of music and message of change? Throughout our world's history musicians have inspired the change that many only dreamed about. "Music creatively creates change." http://blogs.browardschools.com/glides/brtaylor/

Mr. VanLandegend (Science): How Have Medical Advancements Changed the World? As a class, we have decided to come up with different medical advancements in a multitude of human body systems has change throughout history and changed the way the world thinks about the medical field. The students have come up with their own interpretations of how medical advancements have come about and how it has affected the world. Learn more about the students' work at http://blogs.browardschools.com/glides/jsvanlandegend/