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9th, 10th Grades  Project 4 weeks

Bravery Unleashed: A Courageous Quest

Bryan D
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.