"Origin Myths: The Great Cultural Mystery Trial!"

Design for Mastery Kit

NEW

All grades Project 3 weeks

"Origin Myths: The Great Cultural Mystery Trial!"

Audrey M

LS.4.A

TH:Cn11.2.2.a

TH:Cn11.2.4.a

Self Directed Learning

Academic Mindset

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Purpose

This project aims to engage students in a hands-on exploration of cultural origin stories through a mock trial format, encouraging them to critically analyze and compare myths from diverse cultures. By investigating evidence and participating in field trips to cultural sites, students will deepen their understanding of common ancestry and diversity while honing skills in self-directed learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The project fosters a sense of identity and belonging as students collaboratively construct and present arguments, actively participating in a dynamic learning community.

Learning goals

Students will explore and analyze origin stories from various cultures, examining evidence that supports or challenges these narratives. They will engage in cross-cultural storytelling through drama, culminating in a mock trial where they present their findings and arguments. The project will enhance students' abilities in self-directed learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving, as they use feedback and reflection to refine their understanding and presentations. Through this process, students will develop a deeper sense of identity and belonging, connecting their learning to broader community contexts and cultural diversity.

Standards

[Next Generation Science Standards] LS.4.A - Evidence of Common Ancestry and Diversity
[National Core Arts Standards] TH:Cn11.2.2.a - Identify similarities and differences in stories from multiple cultures in a guided drama experience (e.g., process drama, story drama, creative drama).
[National Core Arts Standards] TH:Cn11.2.4.a - Investigate cross-cultural approaches to storytelling in drama/theatre work.

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 collaboratively create a mock trial presentation, where they will role-play as representatives of various cultures, presenting evidence for their origin stories. Throughout the project, students will compile a portfolio of research, including written reflections and visual artifacts from cultural field trips. As part of the exhibition, students will design and perform dramatic interpretations of origin myths, comparing and contrasting different cultural narratives. These products will culminate in a public mock trial, where students will engage in critical discourse, presenting their cases to the broader school community acting as witnesses.

Launch

Begin the project with an interactive mystery-themed scavenger hunt where students explore clues related to origin stories from different cultures. As they uncover each clue, they will piece together elements of various myths, fostering curiosity and engagement. This activity will set the stage for deeper exploration and analysis of cultural narratives, leading into the mock trial preparation.

Exhibition

Students will present their findings and arguments during a public mock trial, inviting the broader school community to serve as witnesses and jurors. Each student group will represent a different culture's origin story, providing evidence and rebuttals to support their case. The trial will be held in a communal space, allowing for interactive engagement and discussion among peers and community members. This exhibition will culminate in a reflective session where students and attendees can compare and contrast the stories and evidence presented, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and common ancestry.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Mystery Scavenger Hunt Kickoff - Begin the project with an interactive scavenger hunt centered around clues related to origin stories from various cultures. Students will work in teams to uncover these clues, fostering curiosity and engagement. (30 min) Essential Question Exploration - Introduce the essential question: 'What evidence can we find to support or challenge the origin stories from various cultures, and how do these stories compare?' Facilitate a discussion to generate initial thoughts and questions. (30 min) Introduction to Cultural Myths - Provide an overview of origin myths from a selection of cultures. Use visual aids and storytelling techniques to engage students and begin building a foundation for their research. (30 min)	Research and Inquiry Workshop - Guide students in identifying resources for researching cultural origin myths. Encourage them to formulate research questions and begin gathering evidence. (40 min) Collaborative Group Work - Students form groups, each assigned a culture to investigate. Facilitate group discussions to share initial findings and plan next steps in their research. (30 min) Reflection and Feedback Session - Allow time for students to reflect on their learning and receive feedback from peers and teachers to refine their research approach. (20 min)	Field Trip Preparation - Prepare students for the upcoming field trip to cultural sites. Discuss what evidence to look for, and how it relates to their assigned culture's origin story. (30 min) Drama Introduction - Introduce students to drama techniques that they will use to interpret and present origin stories. Begin practicing storytelling through drama. (30 min) Developing Arguments - Guide students in developing arguments based on their research and the evidence they plan to gather. Encourage them to consider different perspectives and refine their arguments. (30 min)	Field Trip to Cultural Sites - Visit local cultural sites to gather evidence and insights related to origin myths. Encourage students to take notes and document their observations. (60 min) Group Reflection and Documentation - After the field trip, facilitate a group reflection session where students share their observations and document the evidence they collected. (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed scavenger hunt with discussion notes outlining initial thoughts on origin stories. 2. Drama performance of a selected origin story, highlighting cultural elements. 3. Research notes and reflections documented in individual journals.
Preparation	1. Create and hide scavenger hunt clues around the classroom or school yard. 2. Gather a collection of age-appropriate books and online resources on origin stories from various cultures. 3. Collect simple props and costumes for drama activities (e.g., fabric, masks, paper crowns). 4. Prepare journals or notebooks for students to document their research and reflections. 5. Set up technology resources (tablets, computers) for students to access online materials.

Week 2	Day 5	Day 6	Day 7	Day 8
Activities	Cultural Origin Story Analysis - Students break into groups and analyze origin stories from different cultures, focusing on identifying key elements and themes. (30 min) Evidence Collection Workshop - Each group gathers evidence from provided resources that supports their assigned culture's origin story. (30 min) Group Sharing and Feedback - Groups present their findings and receive feedback from peers to refine their understanding and approach. (30 min)	Cross-Cultural Drama Exploration - Students participate in a guided drama activity to explore storytelling techniques from various cultures. (30 min) Dramatic Interpretation Planning - Groups begin planning their dramatic interpretation of their assigned origin story, incorporating feedback and cultural storytelling techniques. (30 min) Self-Reflection and Goal Setting - Students reflect on their progress, set learning goals, and plan next steps for their mock trial preparation. (30 min)	Rebuttal Strategy Development - Groups develop rebuttal strategies based on potential challenges to their origin story narrative. (30 min) Role-Play Practice - Students practice role-playing as representatives of their assigned culture, focusing on presentation and storytelling skills. (30 min) Feedback and Revision Session - Groups receive feedback from peers and teachers on their role-play and rebuttal strategies, revising as needed. (30 min)	Field Trip Reflection and Integration - Reflect on insights from the field trip to cultural sites, integrating new understandings into mock trial preparations. (30 min) Mock Trial Rehearsal - Conduct a full rehearsal of the mock trial, with groups presenting their cases and rebuttals to peers acting as the school community. (40 min) Reflective Discussion and Planning - Engage in a class discussion to reflect on the rehearsal, identify areas for improvement, and plan final revisions. (20 min)
Deliverables	1. A written reflection by each student on the origin stories explored and their initial interpretations. 2. A group research portfolio containing evidence and notes about their assigned culture's origin story. 3. A dramatic interpretation of an origin story performed to peers, incorporating feedback received. 4. A draft script for the mock trial presentation, including roles, arguments, and rebuttals. 5. A self-assessment and peer feedback form completed after the rehearsal, highlighting areas for improvement.
Preparation	1. Gather and prepare research materials and resources about various cultural origin stories, including books, articles, and online content. 2. Prepare a list of cultural sites visited during field trips, highlighting key insights and evidence gathered. 3. Set up a space conducive to drama workshops, ensuring availability of props and costumes for cultural storytelling. 4. Create guidelines and criteria for giving and receiving peer feedback during presentations. 5. Organize materials for scriptwriting, such as templates or examples of mock trial scripts. 6. Arrange a rehearsal space for the mock trial practice, ensuring access to any necessary technology or equipment (e.g., microphones, projectors).

Week 3	Day 9	Day 10	Day 11	Day 12
Activities	Mock Trial Rehearsal - Conduct a full rehearsal of the mock trial, where students practice presenting their cultural origin stories, evidence, and arguments. Provide feedback to help refine their presentations. (45 min) Drama Techniques Review - Review and practice drama techniques to enhance the storytelling aspects of the mock trial presentation. Focus on voice modulation, expression, and body language. (30 min) Reflection and Adjustment - Allow time for students to reflect on their rehearsal performance, adjust their strategies, and incorporate feedback. Encourage self-reflection and peer feedback to enhance learning. (15 min)	Finalizing Visual Aids - Guide students in finalizing any visual aids or artifacts they will use to support their arguments during the mock trial. Ensure these aids are clear and effectively convey their research findings. (30 min) Rebuttal Preparation - Facilitate a session where students prepare potential rebuttals to opposing arguments. Encourage critical thinking and the anticipation of counterarguments. (30 min) Peer Review Exchange - Organize a peer review session where groups present their cases to another group for feedback. Focus on clarity, persuasiveness, and the use of evidence. (30 min)	Dress Rehearsal - Conduct a dress rehearsal in the actual space where the mock trial will be held. Allow for full run-throughs to identify any logistical or presentation issues. (60 min) Reflection and Final Adjustments - Engage students in a reflection session to discuss the dress rehearsal, and make final adjustments to their presentations based on observations and feedback. (30 min)	Public Mock Trial - Host the public mock trial, inviting the broader school community to serve as witnesses and jurors. Students present their cultural origin stories, evidence, and rebuttals. (60 min) Discussion and Reflection - Facilitate a discussion with the audience and students to compare and contrast the stories and evidence presented. Encourage reflections on cultural diversity and common ancestry. (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Finalized research portfolios with evidence and written reflections. 2. Revised and practiced mock trial presentations. 3. Recordings or documentation of the dress rehearsal feedback. 4. Public mock trial performance with student presentations and community engagement. 5. Reflective write-ups comparing and contrasting origin stories from different cultures.
Preparation	1. Prepare a list of cultural origin stories and resources for students to research. 2. Ensure access to digital devices or library resources for research. 3. Arrange the venue for the mock trial and set up the necessary audio-visual equipment. 4. Organize transportation and permissions for any field trips to cultural sites if applicable. 5. Coordinate with school community members who will participate as jurors or witnesses. 6. Prepare feedback forms for peer review sessions.