Newark’s Living Laboratory
Cos’ Classroom, (named after Project U.S.E.’s Founder, Phillip Costello), provides character development programs, as well as arts and literacy, environmental education, service learning and science-based programs that support New Jersey’s Core Curriculum Content Standards. Programs use the city of Newark as inspiration, as a laboratory, and as a place for the students to learn about themselves. Students creatively express themselves through drawing, painting, photography and writing in our Arts and Literacy program. Our Service Learning program allows students to improve their communities and contribute to the greater good by dedicating themselves to a local cause. Students explore the life cycle of plants and learn how food gets from farms to plates in our Horticulture and Gardening program. Our Urban Environmental Education program emphasizes conservation and teaches students about the importance of clean water to their city, the wildlife that lives in Newark, and how recycling and using resources wisely can lead to a cleaner, healthier city. Lastly, students explore the forces behind different types of power in our How Things Go program while they build human-powered rockets, or sail land yachts. All courses also focus on learning character-based skills such as leadership, teamwork, empathy, communication, and problem solving. Half day, full day, and multi-session programs are offered, and programs are individually tailored to suit student needs.
