The Learn by Doing philosophy has extended far beyond Cal Poly for Jim Bentley (Social Science, '95).

 Now a teacher at Elk Grove Elementary, he implements project-based learning in his fifth-and-sixth grade classrooms and advocates for project-based learning through a National Geographic fellowship.

Bentley brought the Geo Inquiry Initiative, a National Geographic project-based learning program with a geographic perspective and eye toward action, to his classroom. School teachers introduce students to Geo Inquiry projects that explore issues in their community and uncover possible solutions. The program allows students to ask questions, understand scenarios from a public policy perspective, and play authentic roles in the solution.

“Authenticity is important,” Bentley said. “I don’t want kids to do a project that’s going to be recycled or thrown away. I want them to do projects that will really be impactful.”

Bentley’s class in Elk Grove, Calif., embarked on a Geo Inquiry Initiative to uncover plastic waste issues in the Sacramento area. His students collected data, conducted surveys and field work, and put together a