9th, 10th Grades
Project
4 weeks
Bravery Unleashed: A Courageous Quest
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.1
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.3
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.2
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.1
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Purpose
The purpose of this project is to engage students in a multifaceted exploration of bravery, encouraging them to analyze and interpret diverse perspectives through literature, personal experiences, and community interactions. By participating in hands-on activities, discussions, and collaborations, students will develop critical thinking and communication skills while deepening their understanding of courage across different cultures and contexts. The project aims to foster a reflective and empathetic mindset, enabling students to articulate their insights and contribute meaningfully to discussions on bravery.
Learning goals
Students will develop critical thinking skills by analyzing diverse texts that explore bravery, focusing on character development and thematic elements. They will enhance their argumentative writing abilities, crafting well-supported claims about bravery using evidence from literature, historical accounts, and personal experiences. Through collaborative discussions and debates, students will articulate their perspectives on bravery, engaging with peers and community partners to deepen their understanding. Additionally, students will reflect on personal and historical examples of courage, synthesizing insights into multimedia projects and reflective essays that demonstrate their comprehension of complex ideas related to bravery.
Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.1 - Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.3 - Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.2 - Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.1 - Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9—10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
Products
Students will create reflective essays and narrative stories that explore the theme of bravery, drawing on insights from literature, personal experiences, and community interactions. They will also compile 'Bravery Journals' that document their thoughts and reflections throughout the unit, incorporating analysis and personal stories. Additionally, students will collaborate with a local theater group to develop and perform a dramatization of a literary work focused on bravery, showcasing their understanding of character motivations and themes. These products will be showcased at the 'Bravery Gala' evening event, where students will present their work and engage with the community through a gallery walk and theatrical performance.
Launch
Begin the learning experience with a 'Courage Quest' scavenger hunt, guiding students through local historical sites to discover stories of bravery. At each location, students will participate in activities that encourage them to reflect on their personal definitions of courage. This engaging launch will introduce students to real-world examples of bravery, prompting critical thinking about the unit's essential questions.
Exhibition
The culmination of the project will be a 'Bravery Gala' evening event, where students showcase their reflective essays and narrative stories. The event will feature a gallery walk displaying their 'Bravery Journals,' allowing attendees to explore students' personal reflections and analyses. Additionally, a theatrical performance, developed in collaboration with a local theater group, will dramatize a literary work focused on bravery, offering insights into character motivations and themes. This exhibition will provide a platform for students to share their learning and engage with the community.
Plan
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
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| Activities |
Courage Quest Scavenger Hunt Introduction - Begin the learning experience with a 'Courage Quest' scavenger hunt, guiding students through local historical sites to discover stories of bravery, encouraging them to reflect on their personal definitions of courage (20 min)
Reflective Discussion - Facilitate a group discussion where students share initial reflections from the scavenger hunt, connecting their discoveries to the essential question of what it means to be brave (30 min)
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Fear and Bravery Film Screening - Launch the project with a 'Fear and Bravery Film Festival,' screening films that depict various aspects of courage, prompting students to analyze character motivations and themes (30 min)
Student-Led Discussion - Conduct a student-led discussion exploring how film characters portray bravery and how these portrayals influence our understanding of courage (20 min)
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Introduction to Literature Circles - Organize students into literature circles to read and discuss diverse texts that explore bravery, focusing on character development and thematic elements (25 min)
Character Analysis Workshop - Guide students in analyzing how complex characters develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or theme (25 min)
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Argumentative Writing Workshop - Conduct a workshop on crafting well-supported claims about bravery through analyzing characters and themes from selected texts (30 min)
Peer Review Session - Facilitate a peer-review session where students exchange and critique each other's argumentative writing drafts, focusing on the use of evidence and reasoning (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Each student will submit an initial 'Bravery Journal' entry, reflecting on their personal definition of bravery and insights gained from the 'Courage Quest' scavenger hunt.
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| Preparation |
1. Coordinate with local historical sites to set up the 'Courage Quest' scavenger hunt, including creating activity guides and reflection prompts.
2. Select and procure diverse texts that explore themes of bravery for literature circles, ensuring a range of cultural and historical perspectives. 3. Prepare materials for the argumentative writing workshop, such as graphic organizers and sample claim outlines. 4. Set up a classroom space conducive to discussion, with seating arrangements that facilitate group conversations. |
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| Week 2 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Literature Circle Discussion - Students engage in literature circle discussions to analyze characters and themes related to bravery in selected texts, focusing on character motivations and conflicts (25 min)
Character Analysis Workshop - Students collaboratively analyze how complex characters develop over the course of a text, using graphic organizers to map interactions and plot advancement (25 min)
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Claim Development Activity - Students develop and refine their own claims about bravery, drawing on character analysis and thematic exploration from previous discussions (30 min)
Argumentative Writing Introduction - Begin with a mini-lesson on crafting claims about bravery, emphasizing valid reasoning and evidence from texts (20 min)
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Peer Review Session - Students exchange drafts of their argumentative writing, providing structured peer feedback focusing on evidence use and claim support (20 min)
Debate Preparation - In groups, students prepare for a structured debate on different perspectives of bravery, gathering evidence from literature, historical events, and personal experiences (30 min)
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Structured Debate - Students engage in a debate, articulating and defending their perspectives on bravery using evidence from diverse sources (30 min)
Reflective Journaling - Students update their 'Bravery Journals' with insights gained from debates, connecting personal reflections with text analysis (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Annotated Text Analysis: Students will submit an annotated analysis of their chosen text, highlighting examples of bravery and character development.
2. Argumentative Essay Draft: Students will draft an essay presenting their argument on a specific aspect of bravery, incorporating evidence from texts and discussions. 3. Debate Reflection: A written reflection on their debate experience, outlining their argument, the evidence used, and insights gained. |
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| Preparation |
1. Select diverse texts that explore themes of bravery for literature circles.
2. Prepare materials for the argumentative writing workshop, including example essays and writing guides. 3. Organize debate topics and guidelines, ensuring students have access to relevant resources and evidence. |
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| Week 3 | Day 9 | Day 10 | Day 11 | Day 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Bravery Symposium Planning - Students collaboratively plan for the upcoming 'Bravery Symposium' by outlining the key elements of their multimedia projects, including personal reflections, literary analysis, and insights gained from community partnerships (20 min)
Literature Circle Analysis - Students continue exploring diverse texts in literature circles, focusing on how authors use character development and conflicts to explore bravery, enhancing their analytical skills (30 min)
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Multimedia Project Development - Students work on developing their multimedia projects, integrating personal reflections and analyses of bravery themes from literature and community interactions (25 min)
Feedback Circle - Facilitated teacher-led feedback session where students present progress on multimedia projects and receive constructive critiques to refine their themes and presentations (25 min)
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Role-Playing Scenarios with First Responders - Students collaborate with first responders to experience decision-making in high-pressure situations, fostering deeper insights into the courage required in emergency services (30 min)
Reflective Journaling - Students update their 'Bravery Journals' with reflections on insights gained from role-playing activities and connections to personal experiences (20 min)
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Panel Discussion with Veterans - Engage in a meaningful dialogue with veterans who share personal stories of courage, allowing students to develop a deeper understanding of bravery in real-life contexts (30 min)
Debate Reflection Circle - Students participate in a reflection circle to share insights and experiences from the panel discussion, connecting these to their understanding of bravery and personal reflections (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Revised argumentative essay: Students will submit a revised version of their argumentative essay on bravery, incorporating peer feedback and demonstrating improved use of evidence and reasoning.
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| Preparation |
1. Gather diverse texts that focus on bravery and character development for literature circles. Ensure texts are accessible and engaging for the grade level.
2. Prepare materials for the argumentative writing workshop, including examples of well-supported claims and evidence from the selected texts. 3. Organize debate topics and guidelines to facilitate structured debates. Ensure topics are relevant and provoke critical thinking about bravery. 4. Set up a space for collaborative critique sessions, ensuring students have access to peer feedback forms and guidelines for constructive critique. |
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| Week 4 | Day 13 | Day 14 | Day 15 | Day 16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Courage Walk Reflection - Students visit local historical sites, reflect on the bravery demonstrated by individuals commemorated there, and participate in a group discussion to connect these experiences to their own lives (30 min)
Multimedia Project Drafting - Students work on drafting their multimedia projects, incorporating insights from the Courage Walk and previous analyses of bravery (20 min)
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Feedback Circle - Students present their multimedia projects in progress and receive targeted suggestions from peers and the teacher on enhancing their analysis and presentation of bravery themes (25 min)
Bravery Journal Update - Students update their 'Bravery Journals' with reflections on the feedback received and adjustments made to their projects (25 min)
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Peer Review and Revision - Students exchange and critique each other's reflective essays and narrative stories, focusing on the use of evidence and reasoning, and provide constructive feedback for improvement (25 min)
Final Project Preparation - Students incorporate peer feedback and finalize their multimedia projects and reflective essays for the 'Bravery Gala' event (25 min)
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Bravery Gala Setup - Students prepare the venue for the 'Bravery Gala,' organizing their displays and rehearsing presentations (20 min)
Bravery Gala Event - Students showcase their reflective essays, narrative stories, and multimedia projects, engaging with the community through a gallery walk and theatrical performance (30 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed multimedia project on bravery
2. Reflective essay synthesizing learning from the unit 3. Participation in the theatrical performance at the Bravery Gala 4. Presentation of 'Bravery Journals' during the gallery walk |
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| Preparation |
1. Ensure access to multimedia tools and resources for project finalization
2. Coordinate with the local theater group for rehearsal space and schedule 3. Prepare the venue for the Bravery Gala, including seating, stage setup, and gallery walk area 4. Organize materials and supplies for the gallery walk, including display boards and any necessary technology for multimedia presentations 5. Invite community members, parents, and local figures to attend the Bravery Gala |
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