Term 1: Ko Lanta, Thailand Oceans, Ecosystems & Sustainability
Guiding Inquiry: How do ecosystems sustain life, and how do human interactions impact them?
Key Concepts: Sustainability, Biodiversity, Human Impact
Focus: Life Below Water, Climate Action, and Life on Land
Highlights
The Ko Lanta term immerses learners in the rich ecological and cultural landscape of southern Thailand. Highlights include marine biodiversity research in Mu Ko Lanta National Park, ethical wildlife engagement through hands-on conservation work at an Elephant Sanctuary, and Muay Thai training to explore physical discipline and Thai cultural heritage. These experiences are woven into a transdisciplinary inquiry on sustainability, ecosystems, and human impact.
Example Itinerary
Week 1
Week 1: Flipped Learning (Remote Preparation)
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Creative introductions and personal mapping activities.
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First explorations of food, culture, and ecosystems.
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Local fieldwork tasks to connect home environments with Thailand.
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Early inquiries into power, responsibility, and sustainability.
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Systems thinking and project idea generation.
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Daily online check-ins to share reflections and build community.
Weeks 2-8
In-Person Immersive Learning
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Marine Conservation & Coral Regeneration
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Coastal Ecosystems & Sustainable Livelihoods
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Animal Ethics & Community Action
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Waste Systems & Climate Change
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Sacred Spaces, Mindfulness & Resilience
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Sustainable Design & Cultural Expression
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Ecological Storytelling & Media Literacy
Weeks 9-10
Remote Project-Based Learning
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Finalizing sustainability proposals for marine conservation.
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Virtual collaborations with international environmental organizations.
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Preparing student-led reports & media advocacy pieces.
Weeks 11-12
Family Time & Transition
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Rest, travel, and reflection.
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Optional family-led eco-travel experiences to reinforce sustainability concepts.
Lonely Planet Thailand
Discover Thailand your way — from wandering barefoot along Koh Lanta’s quiet bays to sharing steaming bowls of noodles with market vendors, exploring temple ruins steeped in history, and spotting wildlife in lush national parks.
This Lonely Planet guide is the perfect companion to the adventures we’ll be having, helping you uncover both the must-see highlights and the hidden gems along our journey.
