FLOW Components

Across all content areas, students tackle the question, “How can we become better stewards of our environment?” Because issues involving fire, land, ocean, and water are complex by nature, robust study and conversations can occur from the vantage point of a variety of multiple disciples.

To begin answering the inquiry, students read a non-fiction text focused on the real-world issues of wildfire (9), land protection (10), ocean conservation (11), and water sustainability (12). The study of these four environmental topics provides the foundational understanding of FLOW: Fire, Land, Ocean, Water. We believe in the power of storytelling as the best approach for introducing modern environmental issues. Once the common read 9-12 unit has concluded, teachers in all content areas will be encouraged to address FLOW topics from the lens of their content areas.

Students hear how others have answered this question through their participation in dynamic and interactive assemblies with panels of local experts.  High interest events such as our partnership with the Coast Film Festival (in November) will offer the entire school community an opportunity to become inspired by FLOW topics. Visits from the Laguna Beach Fire Department and the Laguna Canyon Foundation also bring local, real-world relevance to the issues. The intention of these events is to leave lasting impressions on our students.

In order to formulate their own authentic answers to the inquiry question, students engage in interdisciplinary thinking and writing as they examine FLOW topics from the lenses of science, English, math, social science, and art. As they experience the complexity of environmental issues, students build bridges between disciplines as well as recognize the differences between them. We believe that FLOW issues and their potential solutions are interconnected -- and our goal is to help students realize that this is the nature of real life beyond high school.

Finally, students move from ideas to action as they truly become better stewards of our environment through authentic, local service experiences. We believe that unique experiences outdoors are what stand the test of time. In an effort to value our local environment, we are poised to provide students with memorable experiences. This year the LBHS FLOW Club has engaged in several community outreach projects. Also, our senior class will participate in an entire grade-level service event as a culminating experience in May.