Learning Journey
Project Activities
Days 1 - 24
Activities
Project Launch Simulation
Activity

Transform the classroom into a disaster simulation zone and engage students in decision-making to experience challenges of hardship

Introduction to the Great Depression
Activity

Students explore the historical context of the Great Depression through interactive digital archives and firsthand accounts to understand the impact on people and environments, addressing the essential question

Drought and Migration Simulation
Activity

Engage in a collaborative simulation where students experience the challenges of drought and migration, making decisions that impact survival and community resilience

Introduction to Great Depression
Activity

Students explore digital archives and firsthand accounts to understand the era, using bilingual resources for accessibility

Team Norms and Roles
Activity

Students collaborate to establish team norms and roles, reflecting on individual strengths and responsibilities

Character Resilience Exploration
Activity

Analyze character responses to hardship in 'Bud, Not Buddy' and 'Out of the Dust' through group discussions

Analyzing Primary Sources
Activity

Students work in groups to analyze primary sources related to migration during the Great Depression, citing textual evidence to support their analysis

Reflections and Connections
Activity

Students reflect on the simulation and connect their experiences to the primary sources, discussing the causes and effects of migration patterns

Textual Evidence Workshop
Activity

Practice citing textual evidence to support character analysis and inferences using guided examples

Team Collaboration Rubric
Activity

Implement and review the collaboration rubric to guide effective teamwork and communication

Introduction to Geometry Concepts
Activity

Explore area and volume through hands-on activities, decomposing shapes to model formulas

Exploration of Ecosystem Changes
Activity

Investigate how ecosystems changed during droughts in the Great Depression through research and visual data interpretation

Properties of Matter Introduction
Activity

Begin exploring the physical properties of matter to distinguish between pure substances, homogeneous mixtures, and heterogeneous mixtures, with hands-on experiments

Design Planning Session
Activity

Begin sketching initial designs for resilience pods, focusing on geometric efficiency and practicality

Reflective Journaling
Activity

Reflect on design inspirations and character traits that influence pod concepts in a shared digital journal

Ecosystem and Drought Impact
Activity

Investigate ecosystem changes during droughts using interactive maps and visuals

Introduction to Geometry and Volume
Activity

Students model area formulas for geometric shapes and write equations representing problems related to area and volume

Resilience Pod Design Challenge Introduction
Activity

Introduce the design challenge where students will create models of resilience pods using geometric calculations, discussing initial ideas in groups

Matter Properties Investigation
Activity

Conduct experiments to distinguish between pure substances, solutions, and mixtures, focusing on density

Weekly Learning Log
Activity

Students reflect on key learnings and group dynamics, setting goals for the upcoming week

Character Analysis Workshop
Activity

Students analyze key characters from 'Bud, Not Buddy' and 'Out of the Dust' to understand resilience in fiction, citing textual evidence to support their analysis

Great Depression Migration Mapping
Activity

Students analyze historical maps and trace migration patterns during the Dust Bowl, identifying key routes and geographical challenges

Resilience Strategy Brainstorm
Activity

Students brainstorm real-world survival strategies that mirror those found in the literature, organizing ideas into a graphic organizer

Source Analysis Workshop
Activity

Students examine primary and secondary sources related to the Great Depression, citing textual evidence and summarizing key points

Resilience Pod Concept Brainstorm
Activity

Teams brainstorm initial ideas for resilience pods, discussing potential features that respond to environmental hardships

Geography + History Mini-DBQ
Activity

Conduct a Document-Based Question activity to assess understanding of historical context and migration influences

Geometry in Design
Activity

Students apply area and volume calculations to design initial sketches of their resilience pods, using equations to represent their designs

Density and Material Properties Introduction
Activity

Students explore physical properties of materials and how density affects design, using hands-on activities

Material Properties Exploration
Activity

Conduct hands-on experiments to investigate the physical properties of materials that could be used in pod construction, documenting observations

Reflective Exit Ticket
Activity

Students write a brief reflection on how geography influenced migration and material choices for their pod design

Geometry in Design
Activity

Introduction to area and volume calculations for pod design using real-world examples and problem-solving scenarios

Drafting Disaster Relief Proposal
Activity

Students begin drafting a proposal for their resilience pod, focusing on integrating research on drought and migration with their design

Collaborative Design Planning
Activity

Teams outline their pod structures using geometric shapes, planning for functionality and efficiency

Peer Review and Feedback Session
Activity

Students exchange drafts and provide structured feedback on clarity, coherence, and integration of research

Peer Review of Design Concepts
Activity

Teams share initial design sketches and give/receive feedback using a structured protocol

Finalizing Design Sketches
Activity

Students refine their resilience pod sketches based on peer feedback, ensuring accurate geometric calculations and material considerations

Science Pre-Lab Exit Ticket
Activity

Complete a short assessment on material properties and density to prepare for hands-on testing

Introduction to Presentation Skills
Activity

Students learn techniques for effective presentations, preparing to communicate their design process and proposals to an audience

Properties of Matter Lab
Activity

Conduct experiments to test different materials for pod construction, recording observations and data

Weekly Reflection and Learning Log
Activity

Students document their learning progress, challenges faced, and strategies for improvement

Ecosystem Impact Workshop
Activity

Students collaboratively analyze drought effects on ecosystems, using graphs and charts to make predictions and draw conclusions

Geometry Concepts Application
Activity

Students apply area and volume formulas to calculate dimensions for their resilience pod designs

Matter Properties Exploration
Activity

Conduct hands-on experiments to differentiate between pure substances, homogeneous mixtures, and heterogeneous mixtures, discussing implications for disaster relief

Collaborative Design Session
Activity

Teams refine their pod sketches, ensuring mathematical accuracy and practical functionality

Reflective Journaling
Activity

Students reflect on mathematical strategies used and connections to resilience themes in literature

Material Properties Testing
Activity

Students investigate density and physical properties to select optimal materials for pod construction

Geometry in Design
Activity

Apply area formulas for geometric shapes in the context of resilience pod design, decomposing and rearranging shapes for optimal space utilization

Volume Calculations
Activity

Write and solve equations related to the volume of right rectangular prisms, applying these calculations to the resilience pod models

Explanatory Writing Workshop
Activity

Begin drafting essays linking novel character resilience to design decisions, focusing on organization and coherence

Peer Review Protocol
Activity

Implement 'TAG' feedback method to enhance writing drafts and design ideas with peer support

Math Skills Application Check
Activity

Students complete tasks calculating area and volume of given figures to ensure readiness for pod design

Character Resilience Analysis
Activity

Analyze the resilience strategies of fictional characters from Bud, Not Buddy and Out of the Dust, connecting them to real-world survival tactics

Drafting Informational Texts
Activity

Develop drafts of informational texts, organizing ideas with a thesis statement and purposeful structure, reflecting depth of thought

Detailed Pod Design Session
Activity

Students finalize pod dimensions, incorporating feedback from math skills check

Writing Draft Refinement
Activity

Students revise their explanatory essays, integrating peer suggestions and teacher feedback

Literary Analysis Integration
Activity

Analyze resilience traits in 'Bud, Not Buddy' and 'Out of the Dust,' connecting them to design choices

Editing and Refining Drafts
Activity

Edit drafts using standard English conventions, focusing on complex sentences, subject-verb agreement, and correct punctuation

Pod Prototype Development
Activity

Begin constructing prototypes using selected materials, applying geometry concepts

Finalizing Resilience Pod Designs
Activity

Refine resilience pod models using geometric calculations and matter properties, preparing for presentation to local emergency planners

Weekly Learning Log Reflection
Activity

Students summarize achievements and set goals for next week's peer feedback session

Resilience Pod Mockup Construction
Activity

Students collaborate in teams to construct physical mockups of their resilience pod designs using craft materials, applying geometric calculations and material properties

Peer Review and Feedback
Activity

Students engage in structured peer review sessions to give and receive feedback on their pod design sketches using a 'two stars and a wish' protocol, focusing on clarity and innovation

Explanatory Writing Workshop
Activity

Guide students in revising their explanatory essays by integrating peer feedback and ensuring coherence and depth in their character analysis and design rationale

Reflective Journaling
Activity

Students reflect on the feedback received and set specific goals for their design and writing revisions, documenting insights in a shared digital journal

Mockup Testing and Iteration
Activity

Conduct tests on resilience pod mockups to evaluate stability and functionality, documenting observations and making necessary design adjustments

Design Revision Session
Activity

Students work collaboratively to incorporate peer feedback into their resilience pod designs, making adjustments for improved functionality and aesthetic appeal

Character Analysis and Real-World Connection
Activity

Analyze a scene from 'Bud, Not Buddy' or 'Out of the Dust' to identify resilience strategies, connecting these to the design process and survival tactics

Writing Draft Revision
Activity

Students edit and refine their explanatory writing drafts, focusing on organizing information effectively and using precise language to convey their ideas

Weekly Learning Log
Activity

Students record their progress and challenges faced during the revision process, reflecting on how feedback has strengthened their work

Math and Science Integration
Activity

Students apply mathematical calculations and scientific reasoning to finalize their pod designs, ensuring accuracy in dimensions and material selection

Final Proposal Drafting
Activity

Students refine their disaster relief proposals by integrating peer feedback and additional research on historical and scientific contexts

Peer Review and Editing Session
Activity

Engage in a structured peer review session to provide feedback on proposal clarity, coherence, and use of textual evidence, followed by editing

Visual and Oral Presentation Planning
Activity

Students begin creating visual aids and organizing their oral presentations to effectively communicate their design process and solutions

Peer-Critique Circles
Activity

Students participate in peer critique circles, practicing their presentation skills and receiving constructive feedback to enhance clarity and engagement

Design Finalization
Activity

Students make final adjustments to their pod models based on math and science insights, preparing for the upcoming exhibition

Presentation Preparation
Activity

Develop presentation materials, including visual aids and speaking notes, to effectively communicate the design and rationale of the resilience pods

Presentation Rehearsals
Activity

Students rehearse their presentations in small groups, focusing on clear articulation of ideas and effective use of visual aids

Rehearsal and Feedback
Activity

Practice delivering presentations in small groups, focusing on clarity and engagement, while peers provide constructive feedback

Reflective Exit Ticket
Activity

Students reflect on their biggest win of the week and identify an area to continue improving as they prepare for the exhibition

Final Resilience Pod Construction
Activity

Complete the construction of resilience pod models using finalized designs and selected materials, ensuring all geometric calculations are accurate

Science Lab Checkpoint
Activity

Complete hands-on lab to test material properties and effectiveness, followed by a reflection session using science vocabulary

Density and Material Analysis
Activity

Investigate density and select materials that enhance resilience pod functionality, incorporating bilingual materials for accessibility

Math in Design Gallery Walk
Activity

Present annotated posters with calculations for pod dimensions, emphasizing area, volume, and efficiency

Resilience Pod Testing
Activity

Conduct comprehensive tests on the constructed resilience pods to assess their stability, durability, and functionality, documenting observations and results for analysis

Peer Feedback on Math Posters
Activity

Engage in structured gallery walk to provide feedback on design calculations and their application to real-world scenarios

Character and Real-World Analysis
Activity

Compare resilience strategies from 'Bud, Not Buddy' and 'Out of the Dust' to real-world scenarios, drawing connections to the resilience pod design and survival tactics

Resilience Pod Construction
Activity

Begin final assembly of pod prototypes using mathematically accurate dimensions and selected materials

Disaster Relief Proposal Refinement
Activity

Integrate feedback from previous sessions to finalize disaster relief proposals, ensuring coherence and alignment with historical and scientific research

Informational Text Finalization
Activity

Edit and polish informational texts, focusing on clarity, structure, and integration of textual evidence to support analysis and conclusions

Collaborative Design Review
Activity

Conduct a peer critique session to evaluate pod functionality and material choices, using a bilingual feedback protocol

Reflective Learning Log
Activity

Document insights and challenges faced during the design and construction process, with prompts for dual language learners

Presentation Finalization
Activity

Develop and refine presentation materials, including visual aids and speaking notes, to effectively communicate the resilience pod design and proposal rationale

Preparation for Presentation
Activity

Develop visual aids and prepare bilingual scripts for upcoming presentations to local emergency planners

Rehearsal and Peer Feedback
Activity

Conduct rehearsal sessions for presentations, receiving peer feedback on delivery, engagement, and content accuracy, making necessary adjustments

Final Presentation Rehearsals
Activity

Conduct full-run presentations of resilience pod designs and proposals with peer feedback focused on clarity, engagement, and evidence use

Presentation Practice
Activity

Teams deliver draft presentations to peers, focusing on clarity and organization, while receiving constructive feedback

Revise Visual Aids
Activity

Students refine visual aids for presentations, ensuring they effectively support their arguments and engage viewers

Exhibition Setup Planning
Activity

Collaborate to organize the layout and flow of the exhibition space, ensuring all models, maps, and proposals are prominently displayed

Reflective Journaling
Activity

Document feedback received and outline action steps for improvements in a bilingual journal

Oral Communication Focus
Activity

Practice public speaking techniques, emphasizing body language and voice modulation, with peer critiques

Exhibition Setup
Activity

Work in teams to set up the exhibition space, arranging resilience pod models, visual aids, and informational texts for public viewing

Final Content Review
Activity

Students refine the content of their presentations, ensuring alignment with research and project goals

Peer-Critique Circles
Activity

Conduct practice presentations in small groups, using a structured feedback protocol to enhance delivery

Community Exhibition Opening
Activity

Host the exhibition for local emergency planners and community members, presenting resilience pod designs and disaster relief proposals

Dress Rehearsal
Activity

Conduct full rehearsals with all presentation elements, simulating the exhibition environment and timing

Interactive Q&A Sessions
Activity

Engage with attendees in discussions and answer questions about the design process, historical research, and real-world connections

Feedback Integration
Activity

Incorporate peer and teacher feedback into final presentation adjustments, focusing on areas of improvement

Reflective Exit Ticket
Activity

Write a brief reflection on presentation strengths and areas to refine, setting goals for the exhibition

Final Presentation Preparation
Activity

Finalize all presentation components, including bilingual scripts and visual aids

Reflection and Self-Assessment
Activity

Reflect on project learning goals and personal growth, completing self-assessment using a rubric for self-evaluation

Exhibition Setup
Activity

Arrange exhibition space, ensuring accessibility and engagement for all attendees, including bilingual support

Celebration and Feedback
Activity

Celebrate project completion with a class discussion on feedback received, lessons learned, and future applications of skills

Exhibition Preview
Activity

Host a mock exhibition for peer classes, gathering feedback to make last-minute adjustments