"Rockin' Algebra with ALOHA "

High School Grade

Project
5 weeks

"Rockin' Algebra with ALOHA "

Fiailoa Troxell

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage high school students in a meaningful exploration of mental health awareness and community support through the integration of algebra, art, and storytelling. By creating a collaborative ALOHA rock art installation and companion book, students will apply mathematical concepts and creative expression to convey messages of hope and resilience. This project aims to foster a sense of belonging and well-being within the school community while equipping students with positive coping strategies and resources.

Learning goals

Students will apply algebraic concepts to design and execute a collaborative art installation, enhancing their understanding of mathematical precision in real-world contexts. They will explore mental health themes and the power of positive affirmations through art and storytelling, fostering a sense of belonging and resilience. Through collaboration with community partners, students will develop project management skills and engage in meaningful dialogue about mental health awareness and community support.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSA.CED.A.1: Create equations and inequalities in one variable and use them to solve problems.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.
Common Core - 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.

Products

Students will collaboratively create the "Resilience Rocks" art installation, where each painted rock incorporates algebraic patterns and positive affirmations to form the word ALOHA. They will also develop a companion book that narrates the story behind each rock, integrating mathematical concepts and personal reflections. Additionally, students will produce an interactive digital map of the installation, using QR codes to connect viewers with the mathematical and narrative elements of each rock, fostering engagement and dialogue on mental health and resilience.

Launch

Begin the project with a 'Mathematical Mural Day,' where students collaboratively design and paint a mural that incorporates algebraic patterns and symbols of ALOHA. This activity sets the stage for the rock art project and fosters a sense of community. Students will engage in team-building exercises and discussions on how mathematical concepts can be creatively expressed through art, laying the groundwork for their upcoming projects.

Exhibition

Host 'Aloha Artistry Day' where students invite community members to view their "Resilience Rocks ALOHA art" installation and read excerpts from their book, fostering conversations about mental health, the power of "aloha," and resilience. Create a 'Hope & Harmony Showcase' where students lead guided tours of the installation, sharing their reflections and insights on the integration of algebra, art, aloha, and ELA to promote mental health awareness. Arrange a plaque with a QR code by their 'Resilience Rocks Gallery' linked to students' 'Stories via Stones,' allowing visitors to explore the mathematical and emotional narratives behind each painted rock.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Mathematical Mural Day - Collaboratively design and paint a mural incorporating algebraic patterns and symbols of ALOHA, laying the groundwork for the rock art project (60 min) Team Building Discussion - Engage in team-building exercises and discussions on expressing mathematical concepts through art to foster a sense of community (40 min) Introduction to Project - Discuss project goals, essential questions, and initial brainstorm of rock art and book ideas (50 min) Guest Speaker Session - Listen to insights from a local artist about integrating visual impact with algebraic concepts in art installations (60 min)	Story Stones Workshop - Bring a rock and participate in brainstorming and sketching initial designs, sharing experiences related to mental health and resilience (60 min) Exploring Mental Health - Conduct research on mental health awareness and the significance of positive affirmations, collaborating with community partners (60 min) Algebraic Concepts Exploration - Introduction to algebraic concepts such as linear equations and geometric transformations for designing rock art layout (60 min) Reflection Circle - Share ideas and progress in a supportive environment, fostering academic and socio-emotional growth (30 min)	Art Techniques Workshop - Participate in a workshop led by a local artist, learning techniques for painting rocks with positive affirmations and symbols (60 min) Rock Design Planning - Use algebraic concepts to plan the layout and dimensions of the ALOHA rock art installation (60 min) Narrative Development - Begin crafting narrative elements for the companion book, focusing on messages of hope and resilience (60 min) Reflection Visual Journal - Document learning journey, including mathematical problem-solving and artistic designs (30 min)	Community Connection Day - Visit a local community garden for inspiration, engage in team-building activities, and discuss environmental impact (60 min) Collaborative Design Session - Work in groups to plan the integration of algebraic patterns and personal narratives into rock designs (60 min) Peer Critique Session - Present initial rock designs and narratives in small groups for constructive feedback and revision suggestions (60 min) Guest Speaker Insights - Gain insights from a mental health professional on resilience and positive affirmations (30 min)	Aloha Algebra Adventure - Participate in a treasure hunt solving algebraic puzzles related to project themes, fostering teamwork (60 min) Final Rock Design Planning - Finalize design plans incorporating feedback from critique sessions, ensuring alignment with project themes (60 min) Reflection Circle - Share challenges faced and achievements, encouraging dialogue on project progress and personal growth (60 min) Launch Preparation - Organize and prepare for the launch of the project next week, discussing exhibition and community engagement strategies (30 min)
Deliverables	1. A collaboratively painted mural featuring algebraic patterns and symbols of ALOHA. 2. Initial design sketches for each student's rock, incorporating algebraic patterns and positive affirmations. 3. Reflections from the 'Resilience Rally' and 'Story Stones Workshop', documented in a visual journal.
Preparation	1. Secure materials for the mural, including large canvases or wall space, paints, brushes, and other necessary supplies. 2. Arrange for a local artist to lead the art workshop and provide guidance on painting techniques. 3. Coordinate with mental health organizations and local artists for the 'Resilience Rally', ensuring speakers and interactive stations are prepared. 4. Gather rocks for each student to use in the 'Story Stones Workshop' and provide sketching materials. 5. Set up a digital platform for students to upload and share their initial rock designs for feedback.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Algebraic Design Workshop - Apply algebraic concepts to finalize rock design layouts, focusing on precision and creativity (60 min) Narrative Crafting Session - Develop detailed story elements for the companion book, emphasizing themes of hope and resilience (60 min) Peer Feedback Exchange - Share rock designs and narratives with classmates for constructive feedback and revision suggestions (60 min) Reflection Circle - Discuss insights gained from peer feedback and plan next steps for refinement (30 min)	Artistic Expression Deep Dive - Explore advanced painting techniques for rocks, integrating mathematical patterns and symbols of ALOHA (60 min) Collaborative Critique Session - Work in small groups to analyze the alignment of algebraic concepts with artistic expression (60 min) Teacher-Student Conferences - Receive personalized feedback on mathematical problem-solving and narrative development (60 min) Reflection Visual Journal Update - Document artistic choices and mathematical integration progress in visual journal (30 min)	Community Partner Workshop - Participate in a storytelling session with a local author to enhance narrative skills (60 min) Integration of Themes - Discuss how mental health, resilience, and algebra are represented in rock designs and narratives (60 min) Collaborative Design Refinement - Incorporate feedback from community partners to enhance artistic and narrative impact (60 min) Reflection Circle - Share progress and challenges, fostering a supportive environment for growth (30 min)	Mathematical Precision Session - Focus on ensuring mathematical accuracy in rock designs using algebraic equations (60 min) Guest Speaker Insights - Learn from a mental health professional about the power of positive affirmations (60 min) Group Narrative Development - Refine book pages, emphasizing coherence and emotional impact (60 min) Reflection Visual Journal - Record mathematical and narrative developments, reflecting on personal growth (30 min)	Final Rock Design Workshop - Complete final touches on rock designs, integrating algebraic patterns and affirmations (60 min) Companion Book Finalization - Ensure narrative elements are cohesive and reflective of project themes (60 min) Mid-Project Review - Present progress to community partners for expert feedback on artistic and thematic elements (60 min) Reflection Circle - Celebrate achievements and discuss upcoming exhibition strategies (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Each student will create a draft of their rock design, incorporating algebraic elements and a positive affirmation. 2. Students will submit a draft of their narrative to accompany their rock design, focusing on themes of hope and resilience.
Preparation	1. Secure a local artist to lead the rock painting and design workshop. 2. Prepare materials such as paints, brushes, and rocks for the painting session. 3. Coordinate with a mental health professional for a workshop on the psychological benefits of art and narratives. 4. Set up a digital platform for peer feedback on designs and narratives. 5. Gather algebraic resources and tools to support the application of mathematical concepts in art.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Mid-Project Peer Review - Present rock designs and book pages to classmates for constructive feedback to enhance mathematical integration and narrative impact (60 min) Algebraic Refinement - Use peer feedback to refine the algebraic patterns and calculations in rock designs, ensuring precision and creativity (60 min) Narrative Enhancement - Incorporate feedback into book narratives, focusing on cohesion and the emotional impact of messages of hope (60 min) Reflection Visual Journal - Document revisions and personal insights gained from peer review, fostering self-awareness and growth (30 min)	Collaborative Critique Day - Work in small groups to analyze each other's projects, focusing on the alignment of algebraic concepts with artistic expression (60 min) Algebraic Application - Implement group suggestions to improve the mathematical accuracy and visual balance of the rock designs (60 min) Storytelling Workshop - Participate in a workshop with a local author to refine narrative techniques and enhance the emotional depth of stories (60 min) Reflection Circle - Share updates on progress and challenges, encouraging dialogue about the project's impact on understanding mental health (30 min)	Teacher-Student Conferences - Receive personalized feedback on mathematical problem-solving, artistic choices, and narrative development (60 min) Community Partner Feedback - Present project components to local artists and mental health professionals for expert insights and guidance (60 min) Integration Session - Synthesize feedback from experts to enhance the thematic elements and visual impact of the project (60 min) Reflection Visual Journal - Capture insights from expert feedback and document revisions, reinforcing connections between math, art, and storytelling (30 min)	Final Design Adjustments - Make final tweaks to rock designs and narratives based on accumulated feedback and expert advice (60 min) Interactive Digital Map Development - Begin creating a digital map of the installation using QR codes to link narratives and mathematical elements (60 min) Exhibition Planning - Organize the layout and presentation of the ALOHA art installation and book for the upcoming exhibition (60 min) Reflection Circle - Discuss final preparations and reflect on the project's impact on personal growth and community awareness (30 min)	Reflection Art Walk Preparation - Prepare for the reflective art walk by rehearsing narratives and ensuring all technical elements are in place (60 min) Interactive Map Finalization - Complete and test the digital map to ensure all QR codes function correctly and enhance viewer engagement (60 min) Exhibition Rehearsal - Conduct a full rehearsal of the exhibition, including guided tours and narrative presentations, to ensure smooth execution (60 min) Reflection Visual Journal - Reflect on the week's progress and personal contributions to the project, setting goals for the final weeks (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed draft of narrative pages for the companion book, integrating personal reflections and algebraic concepts. 2. Finalized design and painted rock that incorporates algebraic patterns and positive affirmations.
Preparation	1. Arrange guest speaker sessions with a local artist to conduct the art workshop. 2. Coordinate with a local library or bookstore for the storytelling workshop. 3. Set up a digital feedback platform for students to share images of their rock designs and narrative drafts. 4. Provide materials such as paints, brushes, and protective clothing for the rock painting session. 5. Prepare critique guidelines for peer feedback and small group analysis sessions.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Community Partner Feedback Session - Present rock designs and narratives to community partners for expert insights on artistic and thematic elements (60 min) Reflection Circle - Discuss feedback received from community partners and plan next steps for refinement (30 min) Mathematical Adjustments Workshop - Revise rock designs to enhance mathematical accuracy and visual impact based on feedback (60 min) Narrative Refinement Session - Update book pages to ensure coherence and alignment with project themes of hope and resilience (60 min)	Advanced Artistic Techniques Workshop - Learn new painting techniques to enhance the aesthetic quality of the rock designs (60 min) Peer Critique Exchange - Share updated rock designs and narratives with peers for constructive feedback and suggestions (60 min) Teacher-Student Conferences - Receive personalized guidance on integrating algebraic concepts and narrative elements (60 min) Reflection Visual Journal Update - Document artistic and mathematical progress, reflecting on personal and project growth (30 min)	Narrative Coherence Workshop - Ensure story elements in the companion book align with the project themes and rock designs (60 min) Collaborative Design Session - Work in groups to finalize the integration of algebraic patterns and personal narratives into rock designs (60 min) Digital Map Development - Begin creating an interactive digital map of the ALOHA installation with QR code links to narratives (60 min) Reflection Circle - Share progress and challenges, fostering a supportive environment for ongoing project development (30 min)	Final Touches Workshop - Complete final touches on rock designs and companion book pages, ensuring alignment with project goals (60 min) Exhibition Planning Session - Organize the logistics for the upcoming community exhibition, including setup and presentation strategies (60 min) Peer Review and Feedback - Conduct a peer review session to ensure all project elements are cohesive and impactful (60 min) Reflection Circle - Celebrate achievements and discuss final preparations for exhibition day (30 min)	Exhibition Rehearsal - Practice guided tours and presentations for the 'Aloha Artistry Day' exhibition, focusing on clarity and engagement (60 min) Final Digital Map Testing - Ensure the interactive digital map is fully functional and accessible for exhibition visitors (60 min) Reflection and Self-Assessment - Reflect on individual and group learning journeys, completing self-assessment using the collaborative rubric (60 min) Exhibition Setup - Prepare the physical space for the 'Aloha Artistry Day' exhibition, ensuring all elements are ready for public viewing (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Each student must submit a finalized design of their painted rock, complete with algebraic patterns and positive affirmations. 2. Students will submit a draft of their narrative for the companion book, which includes personal reflections and mathematical concepts related to their rock.
Preparation	1. Gather and prepare all necessary painting materials, including rocks, paints, brushes, and protective coverings for workspaces. 2. Ensure access to digital platforms for peer feedback sessions, allowing students to upload images and narratives for review. 3. Coordinate with community partners to schedule the mid-project review, ensuring availability of artists and mental health professionals. 4. Prepare reflection prompts and feedback forms for teacher-student conferences, focusing on key aspects of the project such as mathematical integration and narrative coherence.

Week 5	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Community Partner Reception Preparation - Prepare for community partner engagement by organizing materials and rehearsing presentations to showcase the project's impact (60 min) Final Rock Installation Setup - Arrange the ALOHA art installation on the grass, ensuring mathematical precision and visual balance (60 min) QR Code Testing - Verify the functionality of QR codes linking narratives and mathematical elements, ensuring seamless viewer interaction (60 min) Reflection Visual Journal - Reflect on personal growth and contributions to the project, documenting insights in visual journals (30 min)	Aloha Artistry Day Setup - Organize the exhibition space, ensuring rock installations and accompanying book excerpts are ready for community viewing (60 min) Guided Tour Practice - Rehearse guided tours of the installation, emphasizing the integration of algebra, art, and storytelling to promote mental health awareness (60 min) Story Sharing Preparation - Prepare selected book excerpts for sharing, focusing on messages of hope and resilience (60 min) Reflection Circle - Discuss final preparations and reflect on the project's impact on personal growth and community awareness (30 min)	Aloha Artistry Day Execution - Host 'Aloha Artistry Day,' inviting community members to explore the installation and engage in conversations about mental health and resilience (120 min) Community Feedback Session - Facilitate a discussion with community members to gather insights and reflections on the project's themes and impact (60 min) Reflection Visual Journal - Document feedback from the exhibition and personal reflections on the project's success (30 min)	Hope & Harmony Showcase Setup - Prepare for the showcase by organizing materials and practicing presentations to share project reflections and insights (60 min) Guided Tour Execution - Lead guided tours of the installation, sharing personal reflections on the integration of algebra, art, and storytelling (60 min) Plaque Installation - Install plaques with QR codes linked to 'Stories via Stones,' enhancing visitor engagement with the project's narratives (60 min) Reflection Circle - Celebrate achievements and discuss the project's impact on understanding mental health and belonging (30 min)	Reflective Art Walk Execution - Host a reflective art walk, guiding peers and community members through the installation and sharing the mathematical and emotional journey behind each rock (120 min) Peer Review Presentation - Conduct a peer review session, presenting the completed project to classmates for final feedback (60 min) Reflection Visual Journal - Reflect on the project's completion, documenting personal growth and insights gained throughout the process (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Final painted rocks with algebraic patterns and positive affirmations. 2. Completed companion book narrating the story behind each rock. 3. Interactive digital map of the installation with QR code links.
Preparation	1. Ensure all QR codes are printed and linked to the digital map and book excerpts. 2. Arrange the exhibition space with necessary displays and technology for interactive elements. 3. Coordinate with community partners and confirm attendance for the exhibition. 4. Prepare materials for the installation setup, including tools for securing rocks and signage for the event.