In preparation for my first visit to Eagle Academy to observe a 6th grade Science classroom, I intend to look for the class’s norms, the general curriculum of the period, and the environment created by both the teacher and the students. For starters, I expect to meet with Mrs. Gretchen Dowless and then introduce myself to the students so they can become more comfortable and familiar with my presence. In observing the surroundings, I expect to see posters covering the walls that reflect the general culture of the classroom and school in addition to students work. I sense that the school’s norms will reflect a very conservative and overly respectful environment due to their age as well as their placement in southern Virginia. I sense that the teacher will be using a very encouraging and respectful tone. I also expect to see the work that students have been working on and potentially general interests of the students. As suggested in PBL, posters are a good visual way to establish consistent rules for class conduct as well as to provide evidence of quality work (Boss, 19). Another feature of the classroom I expect to see is an environment that is adamantly trying to be conducive to learning, such as comfy chairs, moveable tables, or tools to help promote students to speak up (Boss, 23). In terms of the class content, I expect to notice a curriculum that is focused around the local community as recommended in PBL and as shown in Ron Berger’s story of a school’s important community water expedition (Boss, 42). And so, for students in Lexington, Virginia, I presume to see content that has to do with VMI, W&L, the greater Lexington community, hunting, fishing, farming or potentially popular kid culture. Moreover, through these initial observations I hope to come away with information that can guide my conduct on future visits while also creating a sense of comfortability for the kids. And secondly, I hope to have a conversation or an exchange with a couple kids in order to understand their interest, similar to Mrs. Brady’s experiences with Alfredo and Hannah, which can in turn provide useful information for me when I attempt to develop an inquiry in the future.