Throughout the semester, middle school students have been engaging in leadership activities to explore various aspects of human behavior and group dynamics. As a unified middle school, students explored the concepts of locus of control, perception and attitudes, tragedy of the commons, and the nuances between teasing and bullying. As a teacher, I was consistently intrigued by varying viewpoints from students and the lens through which they see the world. The creative problem-solving generated from exploring “tragedy of the commons” or grappling with the issues surrounding cognitive dissonance, provide a framework for understanding questions about adolescent human behavior.

Simultaneously, the middle school team has been able to incorporate current brain research acknowledging the benefits of creating opportunities in a school day for single-sex groupings in a school setting (Educational Leadership, 2004). During this 5th block elective period, middle school girls have explored issues surrounding group dynamics, the roles individuals play in a group setting, and the evolution of a group. Likewise, middle school boys are engaged in an all-male PE class utilizing physical activity as a medium for growth, communication, and social development. These intentional groupings create an opportunity for unique learning that is relevant and engaging for both boys and girls.