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The scenery of Walden is
on the humble scale, and, though very beautiful, does not
approach to grandeur, nor can it much concern one who has not
long frequented it or lived by its shore; yet this pond is so
remarkable for its depth and purity as to merit a particular
description.
Henry David Thoreau Walden
 Bill
Goncalo is an American Literature and Creative Writing
teacher at Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River, MA, who
attended our
2004 Approaching Walden
seminar. His experience at the seminar led to the creation
of a unique, place-based project. In September of 2004, Bill
Goncalo went back to school re-energized to craft this
project for his sophomore high school students. The unit, called
“Forbidden
Places and Forgotten Spaces: Exploring Interlachen Watershed
Area,” involved his students in an exploration of
Interlachen Island (which is officially closed to the public as
it is part of a protected watershed and Municipal Water Supply)
and an abandoned 19th century ice-house located on the island.
Bill wanted his students
to think about and answer the following questions: How do we
find value in our own communities and home towns? How do we
communicate this value? How do we educate the community about
the value of its past and its natural resources?
The students made several
trips to the Interlachen property, exploring its rich natural
and cultural history, videotaping and mapping it, writing
papers, and making presentations. This work led to a culminating
activity – leading tours of Interlachen for the people of Fall
River. On an early June Saturday, more than 200 residents showed
up to tour the property and learn about its past (see the
"Interlachen Tour"
Brochure created by the
students). They met eight groups of enthusiastic high school
students who took people on tours and informed them about the
property, the former horse stable and ice house, and discussed
other issues including ice-harvesting during the 19th century,
and the fate of some of the estates formerly located on the
island.
All in all, the year’s
worth of work culminated in the event that was real and relevant
to the students. Students were recognized for their ability to
conduct meaningful research and for their contribution to the
community. Their reactions were best summed up by student
Samantha Rabbitt who remarked, "After Project Interlachen, I
felt good about bringing an all but lost piece of history to my
community. The whole project taught us the importance of keeping
local history, culture, and treasures alive… I now see
Interlachen as Fall River's Walden. My Walden."
To read more
Approaching Walden curriculum units from 2004 and other
years, and to learn more about our summer
teacher seminar, visit us on the web at the
http://www.walden.org/education/TWS/The_Walden_Seminars_2005.htm.
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