Decade Dashboard: Time Travel Through History

11th Grade

Project
4 weeks

Decade Dashboard: Time Travel Through History

Jami Butler

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage students in an in-depth exploration of the cultural, political, and technological developments of specific decades in U.S. history, from the 1950s to the 2000s. By transforming their classroom into a dynamic, immersive 'Decade Experience Room,' students will not only develop a deeper understanding of historical events but also hone their collaboration, communication, and creative skills. This hands-on project aims to connect past developments with the present, fostering critical thinking and a nuanced appreciation of how history shapes the modern United States.

Learning goals

Students will explore how cultural, political, and technological developments from the 1950s to the 2000s have influenced contemporary U.S. society. They will develop research skills by investigating key events and trends of their assigned decade and enhance their ability to synthesize information into engaging presentations. Through the creation of a 'Decade Experience Room,' students will refine their collaboration and communication skills, as they work together to curate and narrate an immersive exhibit. Additionally, students will gain a deeper understanding of historical context and its impact on modern-day America, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.7: Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.

Products

Students will create a 'Decade Experience Room' that transforms a section of the classroom into an immersive museum exhibit, complete with authentic decor, music, and artifacts from their assigned decade. Throughout the project, each group will also develop creative presentations, such as skits or digital media, to convey their research findings. These presentations will be showcased during the 'Decade Discovery Day' as interactive stations, allowing peers to engage with the material in a dynamic and participatory manner.

Launch

Begin the project with a dynamic 'Decade Discovery Day,' where students engage in a carousel of interactive stations, each dedicated to a different decade. These stations will feature iconic music, fashion, and technology, allowing students to immerse themselves in the cultural essence of each era. This hands-on exploration will ignite curiosity and provide a vibrant context for the research and creative presentations that follow.

Exhibition

Students will transform the classroom into a vibrant 'Decade Experience Room' exhibition, where each group will present their decade's cultural, political, and technological highlights. They will lead their classmates and invited guests through immersive, interactive tours, complete with period-appropriate decor, music, and artifacts. Each group will creatively showcase their decade's impact on today's society through skits, digital presentations, or interactive exhibits, fostering an engaging and educational environment for all participants.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Project Launch with 'Decade Discovery Day' - Students rotate through interactive stations featuring iconic music, fashion, and technology from each decade to gain a broad overview of the time periods.	Activity 2: Group Formation and Decade Assignment - Students are divided into groups and assigned a specific decade (1950s-2000s) to research.	Activity 3: Research Question Development - Each group formulates specific research questions based on the essential question, focusing on cultural, political, and technological developments of their assigned decade.	Activity 4: Initial Research - Students begin gathering information and resources related to their decade, identifying key events and trends that shaped the era.	Activity 5: Brainstorming Session for 'Decade Experience Room' - Groups brainstorm ideas for transforming a section of the classroom into an immersive exhibit that accurately represents their decade.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A list of research questions for each group that will guide their exploration of their assigned decade.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Set up 'Decade Discovery Day' stations with music, fashion items, and technology artifacts representative of each decade. 2. Prep Task 2: Organize students into groups and assign each group a decade to research. 3. Prep Task 3: Prepare a list of suggested resources (books, articles, websites) to help students kickstart their research on their assigned decade. 4. Prep Task 4: Provide guidelines for developing research questions and ensure students understand the essential question. 5. Prep Task 5: Gather materials that students can use to brainstorm ideas for their 'Decade Experience Room' exhibits.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Deep Dive Research - Groups will conduct in-depth research into the cultural, political, and technological aspects of their assigned decade. Students will collect diverse resources, including primary sources, interviews, and media from the era.	Activity 2: Collaborative Analysis - Groups will analyze their collected data, identifying patterns, key events, and influential figures that shaped the decade. They will discuss how these elements relate to the essential question.	Activity 3: Creative Planning Session - Groups will outline their 'Decade Experience Room' exhibit, deciding on the narrative, key highlights, and interactive elements such as skits, digital presentations, or interactive exhibits.	Activity 4: Resource Compilation - Groups will curate a collection of artifacts, images, and media that will be used in their exhibit. Students will also draft scripts and outlines for their presentations and skits.	Activity 5: Peer Feedback and Revision - Groups will present their preliminary exhibit plans to peers for feedback. They will use this feedback to refine and enhance their exhibits.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A comprehensive research report summarizing the key cultural, political, and technological developments of their decade. 2. Deliverable 2: A detailed plan and outline for the 'Decade Experience Room' exhibit, including a list of artifacts, presentation scripts, and interactive components.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Provide access to digital and physical archives, databases, and libraries for students to conduct their research. 2. Prep Task 2: Arrange for guest speakers or virtual interviews with individuals who experienced the decade firsthand, if possible. 3. Prep Task 3: Prepare a feedback form and guidelines to help students offer constructive feedback during peer review sessions. 4. Prep Task 4: Gather materials for students to use in creating artifacts, such as craft supplies, poster boards, and digital tools. 5. Prep Task 5: Ensure that students have access to technology and software needed for digital presentations and media creation.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Finalize Exhibit Design - Groups will refine their 'Decade Experience Room' design, incorporating feedback from Week 2 and making necessary adjustments to their narrative and interactive elements.	Activity 2: Artifact Creation and Collection - Students will create or gather final artifacts, images, and media needed for their exhibits. They will ensure that these items accurately represent their decade and are ready for display.	Activity 3: Presentation Rehearsal - Groups will practice their skits, digital presentations, or interactive exhibits, focusing on clear communication and ensuring their narrative is engaging and educational.	Activity 4: Technical Setup and Run-Through - Students will set up any required technology for their presentations, such as projectors, speakers, or digital displays, and perform a full run-through of their exhibit.	Activity 5: Peer Review and Polishing - Groups will present their nearly complete exhibits to another group for a final round of peer feedback. They will use this feedback to make last-minute improvements before the exhibition.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A complete setup of the 'Decade Experience Room' exhibit, ready for presentation and peer review. 2. Deliverable 2: Final scripts and presentation materials, polished and ready for the exhibition.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Set up spaces in the classroom for each group to rehearse and display their exhibit components. 2. Prep Task 2: Ensure all necessary technology is available and functioning, such as projectors, speakers, and computers. 3. Prep Task 3: Provide materials for last-minute artifact creation, including art supplies, paper, and digital tools. 4. Prep Task 4: Create a peer review guideline sheet to help students provide constructive and focused feedback. 5. Prep Task 5: Arrange the classroom layout to accommodate the 'Decade Experience Room' exhibits, ensuring there is space for each group to set up their displays.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Exhibit Setup Completion - Groups finalize the physical setup of their 'Decade Experience Room' exhibits, ensuring all artifacts, decor, and technology are in place and functioning.	Activity 2: Final Presentation Rehearsal - Students conduct a full dress rehearsal of their presentations, including skits, digital media, and interactive elements, making sure they are ready for the exhibition.	Activity 3: Exhibition Day - Each group presents their 'Decade Experience Room' to the class and any invited guests, guiding them through their immersive exhibit and narrating key developments of their decade.	Activity 4: Reflection and Feedback Session - After the exhibition, students participate in a reflection session where they discuss what they learned from the project and provide feedback to peers on their exhibits.	Activity 5: Project Debrief and Connection to Present Day - Students engage in a class discussion connecting the historical developments from their decades to contemporary U.S. society, answering the essential question.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Completed 'Decade Experience Room' exhibit, fully set up and ready for exhibition. 2. Deliverable 2: Final presentation performance during the exhibition, demonstrating their understanding of their decade. 3. Deliverable 3: Reflection piece summarizing their learning experience and connections to the present day, either as a written piece or a recorded audio/video reflection.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Ensure the classroom space is organized for the exhibition with designated areas for each group's exhibit. 2. Prep Task 2: Arrange for any necessary additional seating or space for invited guests to view the exhibition. 3. Prep Task 3: Prepare reflection prompts and feedback forms for students to use during the reflection and feedback session. 4. Prep Task 4: Coordinate with technology staff to ensure all devices are operational for presentations and exhibits. 5. Prep Task 5: Facilitate a closing discussion by preparing guiding questions that link students' findings to the essential question and current events.