Picture a class full of students collaborating, thinking, creating things. Whether it’s someone learning how to play the guitar, cooking a meal or creating a piece of clothing every student seems totally committed to the work that they are doing in the classroom. Look around: it’s full of endless possibilities because the pathways to dreams students want to pursue are wide open.
This is what LHS Exhibition is. This graduation requirement comes with its own class where students dedicate an entire semester to one meaningful project.
When beginning an exhibition, students must choose a topic that inspires them, and that will lead to a deep dive on the topic as well as authentic application of what they’ve learned. Unlike most classes, students also have to find a mentor outside of the classroom to guide them along the way.
So, why is this project so important? Well as it turns out, at Lincoln High School, Exhibition is specifically designed for students to demonstrate their abilities in the LHS applied learning standards of problem solving, critical thinking, research, communication, reflection and evaluation. The resulting eight to 15 minute presentations often offer students the opportunity to explore careers, attain proficiency in technologies or specialize areas, embrace a hobby, give back to the community, raise money for their graduating class, and more. Students have gotten pilot’s licenses, cooked and served gourmet meals, organized events, written songs, books and stage plays, made movies and created marketing campaigns.
As a student in exhibition myself, I can truly say that exhibition has helped me immensely in finding a passion for what I want to do when I’m out of high school. My exhibition project was done on building my own podcast. While this project was not easy, it’s really been a great experience and I have much gratitude for my time in exhibition.
Four days before presentation day, students were going through the final paces. Michael (last name) did his exhibition project on building a survival shelter, which he found “very fun and entertaining.”
Kyle Dussault’s project was on learning how to play the electric guitar. “My experience has gone well since I have grown a passion for playing the electric guitar,” Kyle said. Kyle claims that the experience has influenced his love for playing the guitar and he enjoys learning how to play new songs.
Jazele Jalette created a project on running a donation drive for the Providence Animal Rescue League. “My experience has been a wonderful learning experience and has definitely helped me improve my life skills,” she said.
All three students had different types of topics for their project, and many different motivators. This is what exhibition is, a class where students create and learn new things.
