6th, 7th, 8th Grades
Project
8 weeks
Campus Corner Creations: Spaces for Success!
1-pager
Purpose
The purpose of this learning experience is to engage middle school students in a transformative project that integrates sustainable design and civic engagement, fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to their community. Through collaboration with community partners and hands-on activities, students will explore innovative solutions to enhance their school environment, applying democratic principles and civic virtues. This project aims to develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and an academic mindset, empowering students to take meaningful action in addressing local and global challenges.
Learning goals
Students will develop an understanding of sustainable design principles and their application in creating eco-friendly spaces. They will enhance their civic engagement skills by collaborating with community partners and participating in democratic decision-making processes. Through hands-on activities, students will cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, as well as self-directed learning and reflection. Additionally, they will foster a sense of identity and belonging by contributing to a project that benefits both the school and the wider community.
Standards
- D4.8.6-8 - Apply a range of deliberative and democratic procedures to make decisions and take action in their classrooms and schools, and in out-of-school civic contexts.
- D2.Civ.7.6-8 - Apply civic virtues and democratic principles in school and community settings.
- D4.7.6-8 - Assess their individual and collective capacities to take action to address local, regional, and global problems, taking into account a range of possible levers of power, strategies, and potential outcomes.
Competencies
- Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
- Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
Products
Students will transform an underutilized courtyard into a vibrant community gathering space featuring eco-friendly seating, native plantings, and culturally reflective art installations. They will design and implement a rainwater harvesting system to support the school's garden, demonstrating water conservation practices. Additionally, students will construct a solar-powered charging station for electronic devices, showcasing renewable energy solutions and providing practical benefits for the school community.
Launch
Kick off the project with a dynamic 'Sustainability Fair' featuring interactive booths and hands-on activities led by local environmental organizations. This event will immerse students in the world of sustainable living, sparking curiosity and providing inspiration for their upcoming projects. Students will engage in discussions, participate in eco-friendly challenges, and gather ideas for transforming their school spaces, setting the stage for collaborative design and innovation.
Exhibition
Students will host a 'Sustainable Showcase' event, transforming the school into an interactive exhibit space. They will present their projects through multimedia presentations, including videos, models, and live demonstrations, to engage parents, peers, and community partners in their learning journey. The event will feature guided tours of the newly designed spaces, allowing visitors to experience the students' innovative solutions firsthand.
Plan
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Project Introduction and Essential Questions - Introduce the project by discussing the essential questions and objectives, inspiring students to think about how they can redesign a school space to benefit the community and environment (15 min)
Sustainability Fair Planning - Facilitate a brainstorming session where students discuss potential booths and activities for the upcoming Sustainability Fair, encouraging them to consider environmental topics they are passionate about (30 min)
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Community Partner Introduction - Introduce students to community partners from the local environmental organizations who will collaborate on the project, setting the stage for meaningful partnerships (15 min)
Sustainability Fair Preparation - Begin organizing materials and assigning roles for the Sustainability Fair, ensuring students understand their responsibilities and are prepared for the event (30 min)
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Sustainability Fair Execution - Conduct the Sustainability Fair with interactive booths and hands-on activities, allowing students to engage with various aspects of sustainable living and gather ideas for their projects (45 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Each student group will submit a proposal outlining their chosen underutilized space, initial design ideas, and how they plan to incorporate sustainable practices. The proposal should include a brief explanation of why this space was chosen and initial thoughts on potential community impact.
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| Preparation |
1. Coordinate with local environmental organizations to set up and run the 'Sustainability Fair'. Ensure a variety of booths and activities are available to engage students.
2. Arrange for community garden group representatives to facilitate a workshop on permaculture and organic gardening techniques. Prepare necessary materials such as seeds, soil samples, and gardening tools for demonstrations. 3. Provide students with access to campus maps and images of potential sites for their project to facilitate the brainstorming session. 4. Prepare a template for the group proposal deliverable, including sections for site selection, initial design ideas, and potential impact. |
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| Week 2 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Feedback and Reflection Session - Facilitate a group discussion where students share their experiences from the Sustainability Fair and receive peer and teacher feedback to guide their project ideas (20 min)
Introduction to Permaculture - Conduct an interactive session with the community garden group to explore the basics of permaculture and its benefits for the environment, setting the foundation for garden design activities (25 min)
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Eco-Friendly Design Workshop Part 1 - Partner with university architecture students for a hands-on workshop on selecting sustainable materials, encouraging students to brainstorm design concepts for their school space project (45 min)
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Permaculture Planning - Collaborate with the community garden group to map out potential garden spaces on campus, applying permaculture principles discussed earlier and fostering strategic thinking about biodiversity (20 min)
Design Concept Sharing - Students present their initial design concepts to peers and community partners for feedback, emphasizing sustainable practices and innovative solutions (25 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Initial Site Analysis Report - Students will compile their observations and initial ideas into a report, outlining potential uses for the underutilized spaces on campus. This includes sketches, notes, and reflections on sustainable practices.
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| Preparation |
1. Prep Task 1: Coordinate with the architecture department at the nearby university to schedule and prepare for the sustainable design workshop.
2. Prep Task 2: Arrange materials for site exploration, including sketchpads, pencils, and cameras for documentation. 3. Prep Task 3: Coordinate with the community garden group to plan the permaculture and organic gardening session, ensuring necessary tools and materials are available. 4. Prep Task 4: Prepare reflection prompts and materials for the collaborative group reflection activity, including journals and art supplies. |
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| Week 3 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Permaculture Design Workshop - Students work with community garden experts to design garden layouts using permaculture principles, focusing on biodiversity and sustainable practices (45 min)
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Eco-Friendly Space Design Challenge - Students collaborate in teams to brainstorm innovative ideas for transforming an underutilized school area into a community hub, applying sustainable design concepts (25 min)
Team Feedback Session - Facilitate peer feedback where students present their space design ideas and receive constructive suggestions for improvement (20 min)
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Collaborative Design Finalization - Students refine their garden and space designs based on feedback, ensuring they incorporate civic virtues and democratic principles (30 min)
Reflection Journaling - Engage students in reflective journaling on their design process, self-directed learning, and civic engagement experiences (15 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Create a group presentation showcasing their design concepts, including sketches or models, and explain how they incorporate sustainable practices.
2. Develop a preliminary garden plan that highlights native plant species and permaculture principles. |
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| Preparation |
1. Coordinate with the university's architecture department to schedule the eco-friendly materials workshop and ensure all necessary materials are available.
2. Prepare art supplies and modeling materials for students to create visual representations of their design concepts. 3. Arrange for the community garden group to lead the permaculture and gardening session, including access to gardening tools and native plant information. |
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| Week 4 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Design Review and Feedback - Students present their refined garden and space designs to community partners and peers for constructive feedback, ensuring alignment with sustainable practices and community needs (25 min)
Incorporating Feedback - Facilitate small group discussions where students incorporate feedback and make necessary adjustments to their designs, focusing on innovation and practicality (20 min)
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Workshop on Sustainable Materials - Conduct a session with architecture students on the selection and application of sustainable materials, guiding students to enhance their design plans (30 min)
Integration Session - Students integrate new knowledge about sustainable materials into their design plans, emphasizing eco-friendly and durable solutions (15 min)
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Prototype Development - Students begin creating scale models or prototypes of their designs using sustainable materials, applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills (30 min)
Reflection and Journaling - Encourage students to reflect on their learning journey, documenting insights gained and challenges overcome during the prototyping process (15 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completion of a preliminary design sketch for the garden space, incorporating permaculture principles and input from community partners.
2. A reflective journal entry detailing students' experiences and learnings from the community garden collaboration. |
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| Preparation |
1. Coordinate with the community garden group to schedule hands-on permaculture workshops and secure necessary gardening tools and materials.
2. Arrange for architecture students from the nearby university to visit the school and provide feedback on preliminary design sketches. 3. Prepare reflection prompts and journaling materials to guide students in documenting their learning experiences and insights. 4. Set up collaborative workstations with drawing materials and design software for students to create their preliminary sketches. |
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| Week 5 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Community Partner Collaboration - Host a session with community garden experts to finalize garden layout and plant selection, incorporating permaculture principles for biodiversity (20 min)
Eco-Friendly Design Revisions - Facilitate a workshop with architecture mentors to refine space designs, focusing on sustainable materials and democratic decision-making (25 min)
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Permaculture Implementation - Begin planting and constructing garden spaces with guidance from community garden group, applying learned permaculture techniques (30 min)
Feedback Integration - Students discuss feedback received during mid-project forum and adjust their designs accordingly, emphasizing civic virtues in their revisions (15 min)
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Collaborative Construction - Work in teams to start building eco-friendly community spaces based on finalized designs, promoting hands-on learning and teamwork (30 min)
Reflective Journaling - Engage in journaling to document personal learning experiences, challenges faced, and solutions developed during project implementation (15 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Submit a revised design plan that incorporates feedback from peers and mentors. This plan should include detailed notes on the sustainable materials to be used and any changes made to the initial concept.
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| Preparation |
1. Coordinate with the university architecture department to schedule the workshop and gather any necessary materials or presentation tools.
2. Prepare feedback forms and reflection prompts to guide students during the brainstorming and peer-review sessions. 3. Ensure access to design software or materials that students need to update their project plans. |
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| Week 6 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Community Feedback Session - Host a discussion with community partners and stakeholders to gather input on final design and implementation plans, emphasizing democratic procedures and civic engagement (25 min)
Design Adjustment Workshop - Facilitate a session where students refine their projects based on community feedback, focusing on innovative solutions and sustainability (20 min)
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Final Construction Phase - Continue building and implementing the eco-friendly space designs, collaborating with community partners to incorporate sustainable practices (30 min)
Reflective Discussion - Engage students in a group conversation about the challenges and successes of the construction phase, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills (15 min)
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Finishing Touches - Complete the final touches on the community spaces, ensuring all sustainable elements are in place and operational (25 min)
Team Reflection and Celebration - Conduct a team reflection to celebrate achievements and discuss personal growth and learning throughout the project, reinforcing self-directed learning (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Finalized design plans including detailed prototypes or models, incorporating feedback and sustainable practices.
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| Preparation |
1. Schedule and coordinate with the nearby university's architecture department to ensure the workshop is ready, including any materials or presentations needed.
2. Prepare and provide a variety of sustainable materials for students to use in their prototype/model creation. 3. Set up a space for the collaborative design session with necessary tools and resources (e.g., large paper, markers, digital design tools). 4. Ensure availability of technology for student presentations and digital design work. |
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| Week 7 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Project Finalization Group Session - Facilitate collaborative discussions to finalize design plans and construction details, ensuring alignment with community needs and sustainability practices (20 min)
Implementation Strategy Development - Guide students to create detailed implementation strategies for their projects, including timelines and resource allocations (25 min)
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Construction and Installation - Continue with hands-on construction and installation of garden and community spaces, applying learned techniques and collaborating effectively in teams (30 min)
Reflective Journaling on Teamwork - Encourage students to reflect on their teamwork experiences, documenting insights and personal growth throughout the project (15 min)
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Final Community Partner Collaboration - Host a collaborative session with community partners to ensure all elements are completed and meet desired standards for sustainability and functionality (25 min)
Preparation for Sustainable Showcase - Engage students in organizing and rehearsing presentations for the upcoming exhibition event, focusing on clear communication of their learning journey and project impacts (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed final project design plans incorporating feedback and sustainable practices.
2. Initiation of garden setup with permaculture elements and native plantings. 3. Initial assembly and installation of rainwater harvesting system components. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather materials needed for garden setup: native plants, soil, compost, gardening tools.
2. Secure sustainable building materials for construction projects: eco-friendly seating, solar panels, rainwater barrels. 3. Coordinate with community garden group and university partners for on-site support and workshops. 4. Prepare peer review session guidelines and feedback forms to facilitate constructive critique. 5. Set up a space for storing tools and materials securely for ongoing construction and gardening activities. |
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| Week 8 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Final Presentation Preparation - Students rehearse their project presentations, ensuring they articulate their design process and sustainable practices clearly (30 min)
Peer Feedback and Revision - Students present to peers for feedback and make final adjustments to enhance clarity and impact (15 min)
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Panel Presentation - Students present their final projects to community partners and school stakeholders, explaining their sustainable designs and community benefits (25 min)
Q&A and Reflection - Engage in a question and answer session with the panel, reflecting on the learning journey and community impact (20 min)
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Sustainable Showcase Event - Host the 'Sustainable Showcase' event, where students present their projects through multimedia displays and guided tours (30 min)
Celebration and Reflection - Celebrate the completion of the project with a group discussion on personal growth, challenges overcome, and future applications of their learning (15 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Final project presentation including multimedia elements.
2. Completed art installation or mural that captures students' reflections. 3. Reflective journal entries documenting personal and group learning. |
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| Preparation |
1. Ensure all multimedia equipment is available and functioning for presentations (e.g., projectors, speakers, computers).
2. Set up the exhibition spaces with necessary materials and guides for the showcase. 3. Coordinate with community partners and stakeholders to attend the 'Sustainable Showcase'. 4. Prepare art supplies and space for the collaborative mural or art installation. 5. Organize a debrief session with feedback forms for visitors to provide input on the showcase. |
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