The Casebook

The casebook assignment is a sustained, self-directed learning process designed to develop inquiry skills, systems thinking, and intellectual independence. Students begin with self-observation—articulating what they already know, believe, or assume about a topic of interest. From there, they move through iterative cycles of inquiry and research, where questions lead to investigation, findings inform further questions, and understanding deepens over time.

Topics may be ecological, biological, sociological or interdisciplinary, depending on student interest. Throughout the process, students analyze evidence, weigh tradeoffs, and use visual tools such as diagrams, charts, maps, and models to communicate relationships and patterns. The casebook serves as a space for authentic learning driven by curiosity and reflection. While intentionally demanding, the assignment consistently rewards students who engage deeply—often leading them to hold themselves to rigorous standards and take genuine ownership of their learning.