"Exploration Adventures: From Tribes to Tributes"

5th, 6th Grades

Project
5 weeks

"Exploration Adventures: From Tribes to Tributes"

Michelle Mikulanis-Brown

113.16.c.1

113.16.c.21

113.16.c.23

113.16.c.25

D2.Civ.10.3-5

+ 7 more

Purpose

This project immerses students in an exploration of American history, geography, and literature, emphasizing the resilience of Native American communities during European colonization. By engaging with community partners and utilizing scientific inquiry, students will understand cultural interactions and historical events. Integrating "Counting By 7's" allows students to connect historical resilience with personal growth, culminating in a cohesive exhibition where they showcase their research, crafts, and storytelling in a unified celebration of learning.

Learning goals

Students will develop an understanding of the historical impact of European exploration on American Indian cultures and lands, analyzing this through research and multimedia presentations. They will explore themes of resilience and adaptation by connecting historical events with personal growth, using the novel 'Counting By 7's' as a thematic guide. Students will enhance their critical-thinking and communication skills through peer review and collaborative projects with community partners, culminating in a cohesive Cultural Connections Festival that combines interactive booths, storytelling sessions, and digital storytelling presentations.

Standards

113.16.c.1 - The student understands the reasons for and the role of key people in the European colonization of North America beginning in 1565, the founding of St. Augustine.
113.16.c.21 - The student understands the contributions of people of various racial, ethnic, and religious groups to the United States culture.
113.16.c.23 - The student applies critical-thinking skills to organize and use information acquired from a variety of valid sources, including technology.
113.16.c.25 - The student communicates in written, oral, and visual forms.
D2.Civ.10.3-5 - Identify the beliefs, experiences, perspectives, and values that underlie their own and others' points of view about civic issues.
D2.Civ.6.3-5 - Describe ways in which people benefit from and are challenged by working together, including through government, workplaces, voluntary organizations, and families.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.3 - Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interact over the course of a text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.1 - Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
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.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.2 - Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges or how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize the text.
5-LS1-1 - Support an argument that plants get the materials they need for growth chiefly from air and water.
5-ESS3-1 - Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth's resources and environment.

Products

Students will create traditional crafts and artifacts learned from Native American community partners to present at a cultural exchange event. They will develop a digital storytelling project using multimedia tools to narrate the lives of key historical figures during European colonization. Additionally, students will compile a digital portfolio showcasing their research projects, visual displays, and reflections, culminating in a comprehensive 'Cultural Connections Festival.' This festival will feature interactive booths with artifacts, crafts, storytelling sessions, and digital presentations, allowing students to exhibit their findings and engage with the community.

Launch

Begin the project with a 'Cultural Connections Day,' where students participate in interactive workshops led by Native American community partners. These workshops will feature traditional crafts, storytelling, and discussions on the history and current perspectives of American Indian cultures. This immersive experience will ignite students' curiosity and establish a foundation for exploring themes of resilience and adaptation throughout the project.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'Cultural Connections Festival' that combines interactive booths showcasing research on American Indian tribes and European explorers with storytelling sessions and traditional crafts. Families and community members will engage with artifacts and participate in hands-on activities. Students will also present multimedia projects and share reflections on resilience, drawing connections to 'Counting By 7's', fostering discussions with attendees.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Cultural Connections Day - Participate in interactive workshops led by Native American community partners, exploring traditional crafts, storytelling, and discussions about American Indian culture and history (45 min)	Introduction to European Exploration - Investigate the reasons behind European exploration of North America and the founding of St. Augustine through guided research, using digital media sources (25 min) Mapping the Exploration - Create visual displays and maps depicting key locations and events during the European exploration of America (20 min)	Analyzing 'Counting By 7's' - Begin reading the novel and identify themes of resilience and adaptation, drawing parallels to historical challenges faced by American Indians (30 min) Reflection Journal Setup - Set up a reflection journal, documenting thoughts on cultural insights gained from Native American storytelling and craft sessions (15 min)	Research Project Launch - Begin gathering information for research projects on the impact of European exploration on American Indian lands and cultures, utilizing various sources including digital media (25 min) Peer Review Session - Engage in peer review, sharing initial research findings and receiving constructive feedback from classmates (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Reflections and insights documented in a journal from 'Cultural Connections Day' and the initial reading of 'Counting By 7's'. 2. Preliminary sketches and outlines for visual displays/maps depicting the geography of the United States during European exploration.
Preparation	1. Coordinate schedules and materials with Native American community partners for workshops, ensuring availability of craft supplies and storytelling props. 2. Provide copies of the novel 'Counting By 7's' for each student. 3. Gather resources for research on the geography of the United States during European exploration, including digital and print materials. 4. Set up a space for reflection circles and ensure journal materials are available for student documentation.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Storytelling Session - Engage with a Native American storyteller to learn about cultural resilience and adaptation, discussing how these stories relate to themes in 'Counting By 7's' (25 min) Artifact Analysis - Analyze artifacts provided by a local historical society, understanding their significance in the context of European exploration and colonization (20 min)	Research Project Development - Continue gathering and organizing information for research projects on the impact of European exploration, focusing on synthesizing sources (30 min) Mapping History - Collaborate in groups to finalize visual displays and maps, illustrating key locations and events during European exploration (15 min)	Peer Review and Feedback - Present research progress to classmates, engaging in a structured peer review session to refine and enhance projects (25 min) Digital Storytelling Workshop - Learn to use multimedia tools to create digital narratives about historical figures, practicing storytelling skills (20 min)	Thematic Discussion - Discuss themes of resilience in 'Counting By 7's', connecting them to historical narratives of American Indians and their land (25 min) Reflection Journal Entry - Write a reflection on the week's activities, documenting personal growth and insights gained from peer reviews and storytelling (20 min)
Deliverables	1. A written analysis connecting the theme of resilience from 'Counting By 7's' to historical events involving American Indian communities. 2. A detailed research report on the impact of European exploration on a specific American Indian tribe, including adaptations made by the tribe. 3. A visual map illustrating the geography of the United States during the time of European exploration, linked to the students' research project.
Preparation	1. Gather copies of 'Counting By 7's' for students to read and analyze. 2. Coordinate with community partners to arrange a virtual session with a Native American storyteller or cultural expert to provide insights into historical resilience. 3. Collect digital resources and primary sources for students to use in their research projects. 4. Prepare materials for map-making, including large sheets of paper, markers, and digital mapping tools. 5. Set up a digital platform for students to draft and share their storytelling scripts.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Cultural Connections Review - Reflect on the storytelling and traditional crafts from Week 1, discussing insights and connections to resilience themes in 'Counting By 7's' (25 min) Research Refinement - Use peer feedback to refine research projects on European exploration and its impact on American Indian cultures, focusing on clarity and depth (20 min)	Digital Storytelling Development - Begin crafting digital narratives using multimedia tools, highlighting key historical figures and events from European colonization (30 min) Mapping Workshop - Collaborate in groups to enhance visual displays and maps, ensuring accuracy and comprehensive representation of the exploration period (15 min)	Interactive Exhibit Plan - Plan interactive exhibits for the upcoming 'Cultural Connections Festival,' brainstorming ways to engage visitors with storytelling, crafts, and artifacts (25 min) Resilience Reflection - Discuss personal experiences of resilience, drawing parallels with historical narratives and themes from 'Counting By 7's' (20 min)	Peer Feedback Session - Present digital storytelling projects to classmates for constructive feedback, focusing on narrative coherence and multimedia integration (25 min) Reflection Journal Entry - Document the week's progress and insights, highlighting new understandings of historical events and personal growth (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Students will submit a research project outlining the impact of European exploration on American Indian lands and cultures, supported by visual displays and maps. 2. Students will complete a peer-reviewed multimedia presentation that integrates their research findings with themes from 'Counting By 7's'. 3. Students will participate in the creation of a class visual display depicting historical geography, using maps and key locations.
Preparation	1. Coordinate with the local historical society or museum to organize guided tours and artifact analysis sessions. 2. Gather digital media resources and research tools for students to access information on European exploration and American Indian cultures. 3. Prepare materials for visual displays and maps, including paper, markers, and digital tools for creating multimedia presentations. 4. Set up a peer review framework, including guidelines and feedback forms, to facilitate constructive critique sessions. 5. Create a reflection journal template for students to document their thoughts and learning experiences throughout the week.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Interactive Exhibit Finalization - Finalize plans for the 'Cultural Connections Festival' interactive booths, ensuring each booth effectively conveys research findings and cultural insights (20 min) Digital Storytelling Completion - Complete digital storytelling projects, incorporating feedback and ensuring multimedia elements are effectively integrated (25 min)	Craft and Artifact Display Setup - Organize and set up traditional crafts and artifacts for the festival, ensuring accurate and respectful representation of Native American cultures (25 min) Rehearsal for Storytelling Sessions - Practice storytelling sessions, focusing on clear communication and engaging presentation techniques for festival visitors (20 min)	Peer Review and Exhibition Preparation - Engage in peer review of interactive booths and presentations, making final adjustments based on feedback to ensure a cohesive exhibition (25 min) Reflection Journal Entry - Reflect on the project's development, personal growth, and connections between historical events and the theme of resilience (20 min)	Festival Dry Run - Conduct a dry run of the 'Cultural Connections Festival,' practicing transitions between booths and presentations, and ensuring smooth operation (20 min) Final Reflection and Celebration Planning - Plan a closing celebration for the festival, discussing highlights and personal achievements throughout the project (25 min)
Deliverables	1. Revised digital storytelling project incorporating peer feedback 2. Completed visual display and interactive map of historical geography 3. Reflection journal entry documenting personal insights and connections
Preparation	1. Coordinate with technology staff to ensure students have access to multimedia tools for digital storytelling projects. 2. Prepare peer review guidelines and feedback forms for structured critique sessions. 3. Gather resources and materials for creating visual displays and interactive maps, including digital mapping software. 4. Arrange classroom space for reflection circle activities, ensuring a conducive environment for discussion and sharing.

Week 5	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Exhibition Preparation - Finalize interactive booths and digital storytelling presentations, ensuring all materials and artifacts are ready for display at the Cultural Connections Festival (25 min) Peer Feedback and Revisions - Conduct a final round of peer feedback to polish presentations and exhibits, focusing on clarity and engagement (20 min)	Rehearsal and Role Assignment - Practice presentation roles for the Cultural Connections Festival to ensure smooth transitions and effective storytelling (20 min) Craft and Artifact Setup - Organize and arrange traditional crafts and artifacts at designated booths, preparing for visitor interaction (25 min)	Cultural Connections Festival - Host the festival, engaging with families and community members through interactive booths, storytelling, and digital presentations (45 min)	Festival Reflection Circle - Gather in a reflection circle to discuss experiences and insights from the Cultural Connections Festival, connecting them to project themes of resilience and adaptation (25 min) Final Reflection Journal Entry - Complete a comprehensive journal entry summarizing the entire project experience, personal growth, and new understandings gained (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Host the 'Cultural Connections Festival' featuring interactive booths, storytelling sessions, and multimedia presentations. 2. Compile and present digital portfolios demonstrating students' research, visual displays, reflections, and multimedia storytelling projects.
Preparation	1. Coordinate logistics for the festival, including space setup, schedules, and invitations for families and community members. 2. Gather materials needed for booths, including artifacts and crafts from Native American partners, as well as students' research findings and visual displays. 3. Ensure all necessary technology is available and functioning for multimedia presentations, including projectors, screens, and sound systems. 4. Facilitate a final peer review session allowing students to practice their presentations and receive feedback for improvement. 5. Prepare materials for reflection activities, ensuring students can articulate their learning experiences and personal growth.