The exploration of the Saugus Iron Works lends itself perfectly to Project-Based Learning (PBL). The iron works is a real-world historic site whose impact on early industrialization needs to be uncovered. Students search for understanding through a series of hands-on portfolio activities. They are free to work at their own pace and the flexible design encourages both individual and team-based learning. The web-based curriculum path emphasizes students actively taking ownership. Successful implentation occurs as educators shift to being facilitators and coaches. 

AI is the inevitable extension of societies' effort to digitize human knowledge. AI's birth was made possible by advancements in information technology resulting in an enormous body of easily accessible information made possible by the web and increasing computational power. Connecting these advancements together are algorithms that mimic how human brains encode information sensed from our world. In the above AI conversation, the Ranger Ron guide explains why using a finely tuned AI can support learners. Your human agency as an educator is critical to protecting and nurturing the learning process. 

The Saugus Iron Works unit is structured to be a linear journey. Students navigate the Introduction, building their factual knowledge. View the interactive process diagram to explore the navigation. 
To demonstrate understanding, students complete assignments. One example is the simple graphic organizer for the Quick Facts assignment (#7). Students use accessibly designed interactive clouds to click and reveal answers to basic questions. The goal is to reinforce literacy skills by finding information, interpreting its significance and writing on a printed graphic organizer. Students also use printed TASK checklists for each component. 

4 Main Components 

1. INTRODUCTION

2. COLONIAL TIMES

3. ROCKS & MINERALS

4. SIMPLE MACHINES
   
   

We discovered that ensuring ALL students visited the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site increased completion of passport assignments and engagement. One student was quoted upon exiting the school bus, "I can't believe this place is real!" The Park Ranger shared with teachers, "Your students were the most well prepared school visitors we've hosted and asked detailed, probing questions." As a capstone experience, the SIW field trip increased student higher order thinking by having them synthesize their understanding of the importance of colonial iron making. Students will see working waterwheels, museum artifacts and a blacksmith produce an iron nail. 

A full sensory experience awaits:

• Smell musty water logged wooden machines

• Smell charcoal soot at the blacksmith shop

• Touch natural resources like iron ore and gabbro

• Protect your ears from the deafening sound of the 500 lb hammer striking an anvil

• See the power of flowing water turn large wooden waterwheels