Project Launch & Essential Question Introduction - Initiate the project with a 'Storytelling and Light Symposium' where students engage with Japanese-American heritage organizations and local artists to explore cultural narratives and the scientific concepts of light and optics (45 min)

Exploration of Light and Optics - Conduct hands-on experiments to explore basic principles of light, such as reflection and refraction, connecting these to cultural narratives (45 min)

Research Historical Context - Guide students in researching the Japanese internment and Alien Enemies Act, analyzing primary sources to understand their impact on cultural narratives (45 min)

Introduction to Shadow Box Art - Facilitate a workshop with local artists where students learn techniques for creating shadow boxes that incorporate themes of light and identity (45 min)

Reflection Circle - Organize a reflection circle where students share personal insights and experiences related to the essential questions, connecting academic learning with socio-emotional growth (45 min)

Exploration of Light Principles - Conduct hands-on experiments to explore reflection, refraction, and dispersion, connecting scientific concepts to artistic expression (45 min)

Historical Context Research - Investigate the Japanese internment and Alien Enemies Act, analyzing primary sources to understand their impact on cultural narratives (45 min)

Visual Art Techniques Workshop - Collaborate with local bi-national artists to learn techniques for creating visual art with themes of light and optics (45 min)

Storytelling Skills Development - Practice interviewing techniques in collaborative storytelling sessions with community partners, focusing on narratives of identity and belonging (45 min)

Peer Review and Reflection - Exchange narrative reports with classmates for constructive feedback using a structured rubric, followed by a reflection circle discussing insights gained (45 min)

Cultural Optics Exploration - Analyze how different cultures use light in their art and narratives, focusing on symbolism and meanings (45 min)

Shadow Box Design Concept - Begin drafting designs for shadow boxes, incorporating cultural symbols and optical elements explored in previous sessions (25 min)

Feedback Session - Share design drafts with peers for initial feedback and suggestions for refinement using a structured rubric (20 min)

Optics and Identity Workshop - Participate in a hands-on session with local artists to explore using lenses and mirrors in shadow box projects (45 min)

Narrative Development - Work on crafting the narrative components of the shadow boxes, integrating historical and personal stories (25 min)

Peer Critique - Exchange narrative drafts with classmates for constructive critique, focusing on cultural representation and depth (20 min)

Reflection Circle - Engage in a group discussion sharing insights on cultural narratives and their influence on identity, connecting to personal experiences (45 min)

Shadow Box Construction - Start assembling shadow boxes using materials like mirrors, colored filters, and lenses, focusing on incorporating cultural symbols (45 min)

Narrative Integration - Embed historical and personal narratives into shadow boxes, ensuring alignment with cultural themes (30 min)

Peer Review Session - Exchange shadow boxes with peers for feedback on narrative integration and artistic expression (15 min)

Optics in Art Analysis - Analyze the use of light and optics in professional art pieces, discussing how these elements convey cultural narratives (45 min)

Local Artist Workshop - Participate in a workshop with a local artist on enhancing visual storytelling through light manipulation techniques (45 min)

Reflection Circle - Share reflections on the integration of light and cultural narratives in shadow boxes, connecting experiences to essential questions (45 min)

Shadow Box Refinement - Enhance shadow box designs by incorporating feedback from peers and community partners, focusing on artistic and narrative coherence (25 min)

Narrative Depth Workshop - Participate in a workshop to deepen the narrative elements of shadow boxes, ensuring cultural sensitivity and historical accuracy (20 min)

Optics Enhancement - Experiment with different optical elements such as lenses and mirrors to refine light effects in shadow boxes (25 min)

Peer Critique Session - Exchange updated shadow boxes with peers for critique, focusing on the integration of optics and narrative (20 min)

Cultural Storytelling Session - Engage with community members to gather additional narratives that can enrich the shadow boxes (25 min)

Narrative Integration - Integrate new cultural stories into the shadow boxes, ensuring alignment with project themes (20 min)

Local Artist Feedback - Present shadow boxes to local bi-national artists for professional feedback on visual storytelling and light manipulation (25 min)

Artistic Revision - Revise shadow boxes based on artist feedback, focusing on enhancing visual impact and narrative depth (20 min)

Mid-Project Exhibition Prep - Prepare for a mid-project exhibition where students will showcase their shadow boxes and narratives, focusing on presentation skills (25 min)

Reflection Circle - Reflect on the progress made in connecting cultural narratives to identity through shadow boxes, sharing personal insights and learning experiences (20 min)

Shadow Box Narrative Completion - Finalize the integration of cultural narratives and optical elements into shadow boxes, ensuring coherence and depth (25 min)

Peer Review Session - Exchange shadow boxes with classmates for constructive feedback focusing on narrative depth and optical effects (20 min)

Interactive Light Installations - Begin constructing interactive light installations, focusing on using mirrors and lenses to create visual narratives (25 min)

Cultural Storytelling Exchange - Collaborate with peers to share and refine personal stories for incorporation into light installations (20 min)

Professional Critique Workshop - Present light installations to local bi-national artists for feedback on visual impact and narrative representation (25 min)

Artistic Revision - Revise light installations based on professional feedback to enhance visual storytelling and cultural sensitivity (20 min)

Community Narrative Collection - Conduct final interviews with community members to gather additional narratives for light installations (25 min)

Narrative Integration Session - Integrate collected narratives into light installations, ensuring alignment with essential questions and project themes (20 min)

Reflection Circle - Participate in a reflection circle to discuss insights gained from the project and connections to personal identity and belonging (25 min)

Final Exhibition Preparation - Prepare for the upcoming exhibition by refining presentation skills and finalizing project displays (20 min)

Final Shadow Box Enhancement - Refine shadow boxes with final touches, ensuring all cultural narratives and optical elements are seamlessly integrated (25 min)

Peer Review and Feedback - Exchange completed shadow boxes with peers for a final round of feedback, focusing on narrative coherence and artistic expression (20 min)

Interactive Light Installation Completion - Finalize construction of interactive light installations, incorporating all collected narratives and optical effects (25 min)

Professional Critique Session - Present light installations to local bi-national artists for final professional feedback on visual storytelling and cultural representation (20 min)

Community Feedback Panel Preparation - Prepare presentations of shadow boxes and light installations for a feedback panel with community partners, focusing on clarity and cultural sensitivity (25 min)

Reflection and Revision - Reflect on community feedback and make necessary revisions to enhance narrative accuracy and depth (20 min)

Exhibition Setup - Begin setting up displays for the final exhibition, ensuring each project piece is presented clearly and engagingly (25 min)

Presentation Skills Workshop - Practice presentation skills, focusing on articulating the connection between cultural narratives and identity through light and optics (20 min)

Final Exhibition Rehearsal - Conduct a full rehearsal of exhibition presentations, ensuring smooth transitions and clarity in storytelling (25 min)

Reflection Circle - Participate in a reflective circle to share personal growth and insights gained from the project, connecting experiences to the essential questions (20 min)

Final Shadow Box Touch-Ups - Make final adjustments and enhancements to shadow boxes, ensuring all narratives and optical elements are polished and coherent (20 min)

Peer Review Session - Exchange completed shadow boxes with classmates for last feedback focusing on narrative depth and visual impact (25 min)

Interactive Light Installation Completion - Finalize the assembly and testing of interactive light installations, ensuring all elements function smoothly (25 min)

Community Partner Presentation - Present finished light installations to community partners for final feedback and suggestions on cultural narratives (20 min)

Exhibition Setup - Organize and set up the display space for the final exhibition, arranging shadow boxes and light installations for optimal viewer engagement (30 min)

Reflection Circle - Participate in a reflection circle discussing the journey of the project and personal growth related to cultural narratives and identity (15 min)

Rehearsal for Exhibition - Practice presenting projects and narratives to ensure clarity and impact during the exhibition (25 min)

Final Preparations - Conduct last-minute checks and adjustments on project displays, narratives, and presentation materials (20 min)

Light and Legacy Festival - Host the final exhibition, showcasing shadow boxes and light installations while engaging in storytelling sessions with community partners (45 min)