The Northern Lights:
A Comprehensive History of The Upper Midwest
Students enrolled in the Northern Lights will learn about astronomy, the Ice Age, Ojibwe clans, create abstract art, visit history museums and a science museum, visit nature preserves, create skits, debate, take day trips, participate in STEM challenges, document life as they see it. Learn, discover, and share the wonder of the Upper Midwest!
What You’ll Learn
Discover the rich history of the Upper Midwest—learn how history, geography, science, diverse human populations, and the arts created a unique culture and a land of plenty. Along the way, students will gain the confidence to experiment, create, and share their newfound knowledge with their community.
The Northern Lights offers a unique intersectional approach to learning by connecting the core subject to visual arts, community service, STEM, culinary arts, media literacy, and environmental education. Through the interdisciplinary efforts honed in the classroom, at the library, in the community, or on a field trip, students develop self-advocacy, critical thinking, and independence. This dynamic course, along with Script to Stage, is part of an innovative and welcoming weekly co-operative learning program.
Fall Session Starts September 16
Program Structure
This course will begin with discussions of geography and the ancient history of Minnesota, Iowa, the Dakotas, and Wisconsin. Careful attention will be given to the indigenous cultures before European contact, as well as the various marginalized groups who settled the land and now call these ceded territories home. Students will learn about astronomy, the Ice Age, Ojibwe clans, create abstract art, visit history museums and a science museum, visit nature preserves, create skits, debate, take day trips, participate in STEM challenges, document life as they see it—in the style of photographic masters like Gordon Parks—, create their own exhibits, incorporate nature in all aspects of their learning, discover, and share their stories.
What’s Included
Tuition includes professional instruction and class time, books, field trips, on-site workshops, as well as science project needs and art materials.
Session Length
The Lakou Project offers classes on the trimester system. Students can enroll in either one or two of the Wednesday offerings, depending on how immersive they’d like their term to be. One class offers a vibrant introduction and plenty of time to grow, while two classes allow for deeper projects and stronger community bonds. Both options promise an opportunity packed with experiential learning, creativity and adventure.
The Northern Lights meets the following Wednesdays from 10:00 AM-11:30 AM*^:
September 16, 23, 30 October 7, 14, 21, 28 November 4, 11, 18 December 2, 9, 16
*students enrolled in only one course may join all other students for lunch/free time from 11:35 AM-12:35 PM
^make it a full day (10:00 AM-2:20 PM) by enrolling in both The Northern Lights and Script to Stage: Mystery!; complimentary early drop-off (9:30 AM) and late pick-up (2:45 PM) are available
Age Groups
Programs are designed for students 8 to 15 years old, with students working alongside one another throughout the term. Instruction, activities, and community are tailored to meet all learners at each developmental stage. This nurturing learning community helps create a safe, close-knit environment where students can feel at home.