10th Grade  Project 4 weeks

"Speak Up! Creative Voices for Change"

Corina R
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Purpose

Students will delve into the power of protest literature and art as catalysts for social change, with an emphasis on analyzing historical and contemporary works to understand their impact. They will explore how these mediums can inspire action towards a Sustainable Development Goal, developing skills in critique and empathy creation. The project will encourage students to critically analyze narratives that uphold economic systems and envision equitable solutions, fostering their ability to contribute meaningfully to societal transformation.

Learning goals

Students will engage in a comprehensive analysis of protest literature and art, focusing on their impact on social movements and public perception. They will critically examine narratives that uphold economic systems and explore how art can challenge these narratives to promote equity. By analyzing key works, students will deepen their understanding of effective advocacy and artistic expression. They will apply these insights to create their own protest literature, aiming to inspire action towards a Sustainable Development Goal. Through this process, students will connect historical and contemporary examples to their own advocacy efforts, culminating in a project that resonates with their generation.
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.RL.10.9: Analyze how an author draws on and transforms source material in a specific work.

Products

Students will create a multimedia portfolio of protest literature, focusing on visual art and spoken word poetry, each addressing a specific Sustainable Development Goal. The project will emphasize analyzing influential works of protest literature, allowing students to draw inspiration and techniques from these examples. Throughout the project, students will collaborate in small groups to research protest movements and develop their creative responses. The final product will be a public exhibition or virtual showcase where students present their work to peers, educators, and community members, sparking dialogue and encouraging action towards sustainable change.

Launch

Begin with an immersive gallery walk featuring protest art and literature from diverse voices, including works by Kehinde Wiley, Shepherd Fairey, and Greta Thunberg. Students will engage with each piece through guided reflection questions that prompt them to consider the impact of these works on society and their own perceptions. Following the gallery walk, facilitate a group discussion where students share their insights and connect the art to the Sustainable Development Goals, setting the stage for their own creative projects. Incorporate additional sessions focused on analyzing specific works of protest literature, allowing students to deepen their understanding of the elements and techniques used to convey powerful messages.

Exhibition

Students will curate a multimedia exhibition showcasing their protest literature and art pieces, inviting peers, educators, and community members to engage with their work. The exhibition will include interactive stations where visitors can explore the Sustainable Development Goals addressed and participate in discussions or activities inspired by the students' creations. Each student will present their work, explaining their artistic choices and the social issues they are addressing, fostering dialogue and reflection on the power of protest art. The event will culminate in a collaborative mural or digital collage that visually represents the collective vision for a sustainable future, reinforcing the impact of youth voices in advocacy.