"Culture Guardians: Unite & Celebrate Diversity!"

9th, 10th Grades Project 1 week

Little Everywhere

Ben C

1.3.c

2.2.a

2.2.b

Self Directed Learning

Academic Mindset

+ 1 more

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Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to immerse students in the vibrant cultural enclaves of New York City, fostering a deeper understanding of how these communities preserve and share their heritage amidst urban change. Through hands-on projects, students will explore the rich tapestry of cultural traditions, food, art, and music, while critically examining the role of these enclaves in shaping broader American culture. By designing their own ethnic enclave and hosting a pop-up museum exhibit, students will actively engage in cultural preservation, advocacy, and celebration, reflecting on their own identities and contributions to the city's diverse mosaic.

Learning goals

Students will explore and document the cultural heritage of New York City's ethnic enclaves, gaining a deeper understanding of how these communities preserve their identities amidst change. They will develop critical thinking skills by addressing complex questions about cultural adaptation and influence, while engaging in hands-on projects that foster self-directed learning and academic mindset. Through collaboration with community partners, students will create meaningful cultural expressions that celebrate diversity and strengthen their sense of belonging.

Standards

[New York] 1.3.c - As global citizens, we are connected to people and cultures beyond our own community and nation, and we have a shared responsibility to protect and respect our world.
[New York] 2.2.a - People living in urban, suburban, and rural communities embrace traditions and celebrate holidays that reflect both diverse cultures and a common community identity.
[New York] 2.2.b - A community is strengthened by the diversity of its members, with ideas, talents, perspectives, and cultures that can be shared across the community.

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

Throughout this learning experience, students will design their own two-block ethnic enclave, incorporating culturally relevant food, art, and history. By the end of the course, they will host a pop-up museum exhibit featuring artifacts, photographs, and student-created art pieces that narrate the cultural heritage of the enclave. Additionally, students will create digital portfolios documenting their journey, including reflections and multimedia presentations from their museum exhibit, showcasing their understanding and personal growth.

Launch

Begin with a 'Cultural Storytelling Circle' where students share personal stories or family traditions that connect them to their cultural heritage, encouraging a sense of place and identity while sparking curiosity about the project. Follow this with an 'Artistic Expression Session' where students create visual pieces representing their interpretation of cultural heritage, using materials provided in class to explore art as a means of storytelling and community building. Conclude the launch with a 'Music of the World Workshop' led by students from various cultural enclaves, allowing others to experience and participate in traditional music and dance, igniting interest in cultural preservation and adaptation.

Exhibition

Students will create and design their own Little Neighborhood based on their cultural identity, showcasing their enclave designs at a 'Cultural Enclave Festival.' This event will feature interactive booths where students present food tastings, art displays, and live performances that highlight the cultural heritage of each community. Additionally, students will launch a 'Virtual Cultural Tour' online, sharing videos and digital content from their projects to engage a wider audience with their creative expressions.

Copied from "Culture Guardians: Unite & Celebrate Diversity!"

Learning Journey

Project Activities

Days 1 - 5

Milestone Activities

No activities have been added to this phase yet.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Phase	Project Activities
Activities	Cultural Storytelling Circle Activity Cultural Storytelling Circle Activity Cultural Storytelling Circle Activity Artistic Expression Session Activity Artistic Expression Session Activity Artistic Expression Session Activity Music of the World Workshop Activity Music of the World Workshop Activity Music of the World Workshop Activity Cultural Heritage Brainstorm Activity Cultural Heritage Brainstorm Activity Cultural Heritage Brainstorm Activity Reflection and Feedback Activity Introduction to Ethnic Enclave Design Activity Reflection Journal Activity	Cultural Mapping Workshop Activity Field Trip Planning Activity Cultural Mapping Workshop Activity Culinary Heritage Exploration Activity Cultural Mapping Workshop Activity Culinary Heritage Exploration Activity Language and Storytelling Exchange Activity Culinary Heritage Exploration Activity Language and Storytelling Exchange Activity Language and Storytelling Exchange Activity Community Art Project Brainstorm Activity Community Art Project Planning Activity Peer Feedback Session Activity Peer Feedback Session Activity	Guided Cultural Enclave Field Trip Activity Community Art Project Activity Field Trip to Little Haiti Activity Workshop with Little Haiti Cultural Center Activity Mural Painting Project with Little Italy Activity Workshop on Cultural Contributions Activity Reflection Session Activity Mural Painting Project in Little Italy Activity Reflection and Journal Writing Activity Critique and Collaborate Session Activity Critique and Collaborate Activity Reflective Journal Activity	African Burial Ground National Monument Tour Activity Enclave Design Session Activity Guided Tour and Storytelling at African Burial Ground National Monument Activity Traditional Chinese Art Workshop Activity Pop-Up Museum Exhibit Planning Activity Caribbean Cultural Center Panel Discussion Activity Critique and Collaborate Activity Peer Review Exchange Activity Peer Review Exchange Activity Design Revisions Activity Digital Feedback Platform Activity Cultural Festival Planning Activity	Cultural Exchange Event Activity Refinement and Finalization Activity Final Project Preparation Activity Virtual Cultural Tour Creation Activity Final Enrichment Week Showcase Preparation Activity Digital Portfolio Creation Activity Enrichment Week Showcase Preparation Activity Self-Assessment Activity Activity Enrichment Week Showcase Activity Self-Assessment Activity Activity Virtual Cultural Tour Creation Activity Closing Reflection Activity
Preparation