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6th Grade  Project 4 weeks

"Ancient India: Past Meets Present Adventure!"

Colley, K
D4.3.6-8
D2.Civ.14.6-8
D2.Civ.7.6-8
Productive Collaborator
Critical Thinker
+ 1 more
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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to immerse 6th-grade students in the rich tapestry of Ancient Indian life, encouraging them to draw meaningful connections between historical and modern societies. Through hands-on activities and collaboration with community partners, students will develop critical thinking skills and engage in creative expression. By curating a Virtual Museum and creating video documentaries, students will actively participate in a dynamic learning process that fosters a deeper understanding of cultural evolution and civic responsibility.

Learning goals

Students will explore the cultural, social, and technological aspects of daily life in Ancient India and draw connections to present-day practices. They will engage in collaborative activities, such as the 'Mystery History Hunt' and yoga session, to deepen their understanding of historical influences on modern society. Through creating video documentaries and curating a Virtual Museum, students will develop skills in research, digital storytelling, and public presentation, fostering critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving abilities.
Standards
  • D4.3.6-8 - Present adaptations of arguments and explanations on topics of interest to others to reach audiences and venues outside the classroom using print and oral technologies (e.g., posters, essays, letters, debates, speeches, reports, and maps) and digital technologies (e.g., Internet, social media, and digital documentary).
  • D2.Civ.14.6-8 - Compare historical and contemporary means of changing societies, and promoting the common good.
  • D2.Civ.7.6-8 - Apply civic virtues and democratic principles in school and community settings.
Competencies
  • Productive Collaborator - Engages with others to achieve a common goal through building positive relationships, actively listening, showing empathy, and making individual contributions to a larger group.
  • Critical Thinker - Thinks deeply and makes informed decisions to create solutions or new understanding supported by relevant and reliable evidence.
  • Empowered Learner - Demonstrates mastery and application of academic competencies. Develops the skills and dispositions to persist through difficulties and plan for a future of self-improvement.

Products

Students will produce a series of short video documentaries that explore and compare daily life in Ancient India with modern life, covering topics such as food, clothing, and education. These documentaries will be uploaded to a 'Virtual Museum' platform, where students will curate digital exhibits using multimedia presentations. The museum will feature interactive content and student-led discussions, allowing community partners and families to engage with the students' work.

Launch

Kick off the project with a 'Mystery History Hunt' where students embark on an interactive adventure around the school. They will solve clues related to Ancient India, uncovering intriguing facts about ancient lifestyles and their connections to contemporary life. This engaging activity sets the stage for exploration and sparks curiosity, encouraging students to delve deeper into the cultural and historical significance of Ancient India.

Exhibition

Students will present their video documentaries in a 'Virtual Museum' where each exhibit showcases comparisons between Ancient Indian and modern life. The museum will feature interactive elements, such as quizzes and discussion forums, encouraging visitors to engage with student work. Community partners, families, and peers will be invited to explore the museum online, providing feedback and participating in student-led discussions to deepen understanding and appreciation of the project.