American Gov't Sparks Creativity in US Students

American Government is a one-semester course open to 10^th through 12^th Grade students that provides a critical perspective on United States politics and government. Public policy, societal institutions, and the democratic duty of citizens have been core concepts in this course. The final project challenged students to explore and apply new topics and ideas to the course material. Students had to identify an important subject matter close to them, make an argument supported by evidence, and then present their findings creatively. By focusing on a single issue, students were able to highlight some of the most pressing issues we face today, as well as potential obstacles and solutions.

Along with their teacher, Mr. Davies, the class viewed many excellent PowerPoint presentations, art projects, and written essays during these presentations. Some topics included rising urban food insecurity, international US military intervention, the effect of violent video games on society, and AI-generated facial recognition ramifications. The students' enthusiasm for their research showcased their ability to tackle complex issues and contribute to the ongoing conversations surrounding current events. Some of our students on the Upper Campus are beginning to learn first-hand about the vital role individuals have in American Democracy. Juan M. '24 shared, "I was able to bring light to an issue that I believe needs to be addressed." The projects demonstrated that these students understand how politics and government operate, can offer unique insight and perspective, and are essential for the continued democratization of our society.

Through these projects, Mr. Davies' students confirmed that young voices can contribute meaningfully to the democratic process and shape the future of our society.