"Cultural Expression Extravaganza!"

High School Grade Project 4 weeks

"Express Yourself: Tech, Culture, and Creativity!"

Alicia Barreras

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Purpose

This project provides students with a platform to explore and express their unique identities through creative and technological mediums, aligning with our school's Portrait of a Graduate framework. By engaging with community partners such as family members and local New Mexico artists, students will draw inspiration and gain insights into cultural expression. Over the course of four weeks, students will develop personalized projects like 3D prints, custom t-shirts, and interactive stories using Scratch programming, allowing them to showcase their cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and hobbies. This hands-on experience encourages self-reflection, fosters artistic skills, and enhances technological proficiency.

Learning goals

Students will explore and articulate their personal identity and cultural heritage through creative mediums, utilizing technology and design to produce tangible expressions of their individuality. They will engage in collaborative projects with family members and local artists, gaining insights into diverse artistic techniques and cultural narratives. Through this process, students will enhance their skills in digital storytelling, 3D modeling, and textile design, culminating in a personalized showcase that reflects their unique perspectives and values. Aligning with the school's Portrait of a Graduate framework, students will develop critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills, preparing them for future academic and personal success.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.6: Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.5: Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations.
ISTE Standards for Students - 1.6 Creative Communicator: Students communicate clearly and express themselves creatively for a variety of purposes using the platforms, tools, styles, formats, and digital media appropriate to their goals.
Portrait of a Graduate - Communication: Students effectively articulate thoughts and ideas using oral, written, and nonverbal communication skills in a variety of forms and contexts.

Products

Students will create personalized 3D prints that symbolize aspects of their culture and beliefs, design custom t-shirts that visually represent their hobbies and interests, and develop an interactive story using Scratch programming to narrate their personal journey. These projects will be showcased in a community event, inviting families and local New Mexico artists to engage with and celebrate the students' work. Each student will also compile a digital portfolio documenting their creative process and reflections on how these products express their identity and values, aligning with the school's Portrait of a Graduate framework to demonstrate growth in critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills.

Launch

Begin with a "Cultural Fusion Fair" where students present items or stories representing their culture, beliefs, or hobbies, aligning with the school's Portrait of a Graduate framework. Invite local artists and students' families to share their creative expressions, fostering a community of diverse perspectives. This event will inspire students to brainstorm and refine their project ideas, setting a collaborative tone for the project's journey.

Exhibition

Organize a 'Digital Identity Showcase' at the local library's digital media lab, inviting community members and local artists to explore student projects, engage in discussions, and provide feedback. Align the exhibition with your school's Portrait of a Graduate framework by highlighting how students have demonstrated key competencies such as creativity, communication, and cultural awareness. Each student will have a dedicated space to display their 3D prints, custom-designed t-shirts, and Scratch programming stories, fostering a sense of pride and connection as they share their unique identities and creative processes with the community.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Cultural Fusion Fair - Students bring in objects, foods, or symbols representing their culture, beliefs, or hobbies, and share the stories behind them. Families and local artists are invited to participate and share their cultural expressions.	Activity 2: Introduction to 3D Modeling - Students explore basic 3D modeling software, focusing on creating simple digital designs that represent aspects of their identity.	Activity 3: T-Shirt Design Sketching - Students brainstorm and sketch initial ideas for custom t-shirt designs that visually represent their hobbies and interests.	Activity 4: Scratch Programming Introduction - Students learn the basics of Scratch programming through guided activities, preparing to create an interactive story about themselves.	Activity 5: Project Planning Session - Students outline their project concepts for 3D prints, t-shirts, and Scratch stories, discussing how these projects will creatively express their identity. They begin a digital journal to document their reflections and insights.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Cultural Item Presentation - Students present their cultural objects or stories during the Cultural Fusion Fair. 2. Deliverable 2: Initial Project Concept Outline - Students submit a written outline detailing their ideas for 3D prints, t-shirts, and Scratch stories along with initial sketches and storyboards.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Coordinate with families and local New Mexico artists to participate in the Cultural Fusion Fair. 2. Prep Task 2: Set up and test 3D modeling software on classroom computers, ensuring all students have access. 3. Prep Task 3: Gather materials for t-shirt design, including sketch pads, markers, and sample fabrics. 4. Prep Task 4: Ensure Scratch programming software is accessible for all students, and prepare introductory materials and tutorials. 5. Prep Task 5: Develop a digital journal template for students to document their reflections and provide a project planning guide.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Advanced 3D Modeling Workshop - Students dive deeper into 3D modeling software to refine their designs, focusing on cultural symbols and personal representations.	Activity 2: T-Shirt Design Digitalization - Students use graphic design software to transform their t-shirt sketches into digital designs, incorporating cultural motifs and personal themes.	Activity 3: Scratch Storyboarding - Students create detailed storyboards for their Scratch projects, outlining key events and interactions that reflect their identity and values.	Activity 4: Peer Review and Feedback Session - Students share their progress on 3D prints, t-shirt designs, and Scratch storyboards with peers for constructive feedback and suggestions.	Activity 5: Reflection and Iteration - Students reflect on peer feedback and iterate on their designs and storyboards, making improvements and adjustments as needed.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Refined 3D Model Draft - Students submit a digital draft of their personalized 3D print design. 2. Deliverable 2: Digital T-Shirt Design - Students submit a digital version of their t-shirt design. 3. Deliverable 3: Scratch Project Storyboard - Students submit a completed storyboard outlining their interactive story.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Arrange access to advanced 3D modeling tutorials and resources for student exploration. 2. Prep Task 2: Set up graphic design software on classroom computers and prepare tutorials on digital design techniques. 3. Prep Task 3: Develop a storyboard template for students to organize their Scratch project ideas. 4. Prep Task 4: Create a structured peer feedback form to guide constructive critique sessions. 5. Prep Task 5: Coordinate with community partners for potential virtual guest speakers or workshops on cultural design techniques.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: 3D Printing Setup and Test - Students finalize their 3D model designs and prepare them for printing, including a test print to ensure quality.	Activity 2: T-Shirt Printing Workshop - Students learn and apply techniques to transfer their digital designs onto t-shirts using methods like screen printing or heat transfer.	Activity 3: Scratch Programming Development - Students code their interactive stories in Scratch, implementing the storyboard plans created in Week 2.	Activity 4: Critique and Consultation with Community Partners - Students present their projects to local New Mexico artists and family members for feedback and suggestions.	Activity 5: Reflection and Final Adjustments - Students reflect on the feedback, making necessary adjustments to their projects in preparation for the final showcase.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Completed 3D Print - Students submit a fully printed version of their 3D design. 2. Deliverable 2: Printed T-Shirt - Students deliver their custom-designed t-shirt. 3. Deliverable 3: Interactive Scratch Story - Students submit a working version of their Scratch project, ready for presentation.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Ensure 3D printers are set up and materials are ready for student use, including troubleshooting common issues. 2. Prep Task 2: Arrange for t-shirt printing equipment and materials, and prepare a demonstration on printing techniques. 3. Prep Task 3: Provide access to Scratch programming resources and support for students needing technical guidance. 4. Prep Task 4: Coordinate with community partners to attend the critique session, ensuring constructive feedback is structured and focused. 5. Prep Task 5: Prepare a reflection guide to help students evaluate feedback and plan their final adjustments.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Final Touches - Students review and refine their 3D prints, t-shirts, and Scratch stories, ensuring every element is polished and ready for presentation.	Activity 2: Digital Portfolio Compilation - Students compile a digital portfolio documenting their creative process, reflections, and final products, including photos, videos, and written narratives.	Activity 3: Presentation Preparation - Students practice presenting their projects, focusing on effectively communicating their cultural expressions and technological processes.	Activity 4: Community Showcase Event - Students present their projects in a 'Digital Identity Showcase' at the local library's digital media lab, engaging with family members, local artists, and community members.	Activity 5: Reflection and Celebration - Students reflect on their learning journey, discussing the challenges and successes of the project, and celebrate their achievements with peers and community partners.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Completed Digital Portfolio - Students submit a comprehensive digital portfolio that documents their creative process and final products. 2. Deliverable 2: Project Presentation - Students deliver a live presentation of their projects during the Community Showcase Event.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Ensure access to digital tools for portfolio compilation and provide guidance on effective documentation techniques. 2. Prep Task 2: Arrange logistics for the Community Showcase Event, including venue setup and guest invitations. 3. Prep Task 3: Coordinate with community partners to attend the showcase event, ensuring a supportive and engaging environment. 4. Prep Task 4: Develop a presentation rubric to guide students in understanding expectations and self-assessment. 5. Prep Task 5: Prepare a reflection guide to help students critically evaluate their project experiences.