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High School Grade  Project 4 weeks

"CommUnity Quest: Action for Change!"

CMontera
D2.Civ.7.9-12
D2.Civ.11.9-12
D2.Civ.10.9-12
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to immerse high school students in a hands-on civic and community action project that fosters a deep understanding of civic virtues, democratic principles, and governmental decision-making processes. Through collaborative research, community engagement, and reflective practices, students will develop critical thinking skills and a strong sense of personal and civic responsibility. This experience aims to empower students to identify and address pressing community issues, ultimately contributing to meaningful and sustainable change in their local environments.

Learning goals

Students will develop the ability to identify and address community issues through civic engagement, applying civic virtues and democratic principles in collaborative settings. They will enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills by evaluating governmental decision-making processes and proposing actionable solutions. Students will cultivate self-directed learning and academic mindsets by reflecting on their personal growth, receiving feedback, and adjusting their strategies to create a sustainable impact.
Standards
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Civ.7.9-12 - Apply civic virtues and democratic principles when working with others.
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Civ.11.9-12 - Evaluate multiple procedures for making governmental decisions at the local, state, national, and international levels in terms of the civic purposes achieved.
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Civ.10.9-12 - Analyze the impact and the appropriate roles of personal interests and perspectives on the application of civic virtues, democratic principles, constitutional rights, and human rights.
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 produce a documentary film that chronicles their civic engagement journey, highlighting the community issue, research process, and the impact of their efforts. Additionally, they will develop a community podcast series featuring interviews with local leaders and community members to discuss pressing civic issues and propose solutions. These products will serve as platforms for students to share their insights and foster public awareness and engagement.

Launch

Kick off the project with a 'Civic Engagement Scavenger Hunt' where students explore their community to gather information about local government structures, community organizations, and civic initiatives. Students will document their findings through photos, videos, and notes, which they will then share in small groups. This activity will spark curiosity, encourage collaboration, and set the stage for identifying pressing community issues to address in their projects.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'Civic Engagement Showcase' evening event, where they will perform skits, deliver speeches, and present multimedia projects that highlight their learning journey and the impact of their civic action projects. They will also organize a 'Community Impact Fair' with interactive booths displaying their action plans, research findings, and proposed solutions, engaging local stakeholders, families, and community members. Additionally, a 'Democracy in Action Gallery Walk' will be set up in a public space, featuring visual representations of their projects, such as infographics and art installations, inviting the community to explore and discuss the students' work.