Philosophy Quest: From Socrates to Self-Discovery!

6th Grade

Project
2 weeks

Philosophy Quest: From Socrates to Self-Discovery!

Jonathan Adams

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to immerse students in the rich philosophical traditions of Ancient Greece, encouraging them to explore and connect these ideas to their own personal beliefs and values. Students will generate their own philosophies based on what they have learned from Greek philosophers, using these insights to address and approach real-world problems. Through hands-on activities, collaborative discussions, and creative expressions, students will gain a deeper understanding of how ancient philosophies can be applied to modern-day challenges and personal growth. This project aims to foster critical thinking, self-reflection, and community engagement, allowing students to see the relevance of historical ideas in their lives today.

Learning goals

Students will generate their own philosophies by integrating ideas from Ancient Greek philosophers, using these to address real-world problems. They will explore how these philosophies influence personal beliefs and values, connecting them to modern-day challenges. Through activities like creating personal philosophy journals and conducting community surveys, students will engage in introspection and self-discovery. Interactive workshops and Socratic seminars will help refine their understanding and application of philosophical ideas, culminating in presentations at the 'Philosophy in Action Fair.'

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.9: Compare and contrast one author's presentation of events with that of another.

Products

Students will generate their own personal philosophies by creating a philosophy journal that connects Ancient Greek teachings to their beliefs and values. They will design multimedia presentations that feature interviews with community members, exploring how these philosophies can address real-world problems. By the end of the project, students will collaboratively create interactive booths for the 'Philosophy in Action Fair,' demonstrating how their personal philosophies and Ancient Greek ideas can be applied to solve modern-day challenges.

Launch

Kick off the project with a 'Philosophical Walkabout,' where students engage in interactive activities at various stations themed around Ancient Greek philosophies. Encourage them to reflect on these ideas and begin formulating their own philosophies, connecting ancient concepts to current real-world challenges. Complement the experience with AI conversations using Khanmigo, allowing students to explore philosophical dialogues and apply these insights to develop personal problem-solving strategies.

Exhibition

Host a 'Philosophy in Action Fair' where students present interactive booths featuring their own philosophies inspired by Ancient Greek teachings. Each booth should include a multimedia presentation that showcases how students apply these philosophies to address real-world problems. Invite community members, including local university partners, to engage with the students' projects, offering feedback and fostering discussions on the relevance and application of ancient philosophical ideas in today's world.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Philosophical Walkabout - Students explore interactive stations themed around Ancient Greek philosophies, reflecting on how these ideas connect to personal values (20 min) AI Conversations with Philosophers - Students engage in dialogues using Khanmigo to explore philosophical ideas and develop personal problem-solving strategies (25 min)	Personal Philosophy Journals - Students begin writing their philosophy journals with prompts connecting Ancient Greek concepts to personal beliefs (25 min) Community Survey Design - Students collaborate on designing survey questions to gather insights on the resonance of Greek philosophies in modern beliefs (20 min)	Philosophy Workshop - Local university partners lead a workshop connecting Ancient Greek philosophies to modern ideas, fostering discussion and personal reflection (30 min) Socratic Seminar Preparation - Students draft reflections on how Greek philosophies influence their beliefs and prepare for a seminar discussion (15 min)	Socratic Seminar - Students participate in a seminar sharing personal reflections on Greek philosophies, listening to and responding to peers (30 min) Feedback Reflection - Students reflect on seminar feedback, revising their philosophy journals to deepen understanding (15 min)	Survey Execution - Students conduct the community survey to gather data on Greek philosophies and modern beliefs, collaborating with 5th graders (20 min) Data Analysis and Presentation Planning - Students analyze survey findings and plan presentations showcasing connections between Greek ideas and personal values (25 min)
Deliverables	1. Personal Philosophy Journal Entry: Students will write a reflective entry in their journals connecting an Ancient Greek philosophy to a personal belief or value. 2. Socratic Seminar Reflection: A written or recorded reflection summarizing their participation and insights gained from the seminar.
Preparation	1. Set up and organize the Philosophical Walkabout stations with necessary materials and instructions. 2. Ensure access to Khanmigo for AI conversations, and prepare guiding questions for students. 3. Gather materials for personal philosophy journals, including prompts, paper, and writing tools. 4. Coordinate with the local university to schedule the workshop and arrange logistics. 5. Prepare a framework and guiding questions for the Socratic seminar, and create a comfortable discussion space.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Interactive Workshop - Students engage in a hands-on session with university partners to explore the application of Greek philosophies in modern contexts (30 min) Philosophical Reflection - Students reflect on how Greek philosophies align with their values and begin drafting their personal philosophies (15 min)	Philosophy Journal Deep Dive - Students expand on their journals, integrating feedback and insights from the previous workshop (25 min) Collaborative Problem-Solving - In groups, students brainstorm modern-day issues and propose solutions using Greek philosophical principles (20 min)	Presentation Development - Students create multimedia presentations showcasing their personal philosophies and solutions to selected problems (30 min) Peer Review Session - Students exchange feedback on presentation drafts, focusing on clarity and connection to Greek philosophies (15 min)	Final Presentation Revisions - Students refine their presentations based on peer feedback, ensuring alignment with philosophical concepts (25 min) Rehearsal - Students practice their presentations, focusing on communication and engagement techniques (20 min)	Philosophy in Action Fair - Students present their projects at interactive booths, engaging with community members and university partners (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed personal philosophy journals reflecting on Ancient Greek philosophies and personal beliefs. 2. Multimedia group presentation showcasing a modern-day problem-solving proposal based on Ancient Greek principles. 3. Interactive booth at the 'Philosophy in Action Fair' demonstrating the application of personal philosophies and Ancient Greek ideas to solve contemporary challenges.
Preparation	1. Gather art supplies and digital tools for students to enhance their personal philosophy journals. 2. Ensure access to computers and presentation software for students to create multimedia presentations. 3. Coordinate with university partners to plan the logistics for the interactive workshop. 4. Reserve space and materials for the Socratic seminar setup. 5. Organize the venue and materials needed for the 'Philosophy in Action Fair,' including tables, projectors, and display boards.