A group of Chatham Central High School students experienced life in a local economy on Thursday, Dec. 11, when they visited Piedmont Biofuels and Chatham Marketplace as part of an English II unit funded by a Chatham Education Foundation Creative Teaching Grant.

The students read 'Small Is Possible,' a book about sustainable farming, biodiesel and an abundant list of other Chatham County resources. After reading the book, the sophomores traveled to Pittsboro to meet the book's author, Lyle Estill, and to learn more about the treasures available to them almost literally in their own backyards.

Estill talked to the students about the writing process and how he made his ideas come to life in a way that is meaningful to kids who come from agricultural backgrounds.

"'Small Is Possible,' afforded us a unique opportunity to teach stories that are relevant and familiar to these students," said teacher Emily Boyle.

After touring Piedmont Biofuels, the students got their fill of fruits and vegetables at Chatham Marketplace. General Manager Mary DeMare and Public Relations Coordinator Elizabeth Cox guided them throughout the co-op, highlighting the relationships between the marketplace, its owners, and local producers.

To present what they have learned about the value of looking homeward throughout this unit, the sophomores will create a multi-genre project about another town, landmark, business or person in Chatham County for display in the Chatham Central library.