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7th Grade  Project 4 weeks

"School Spirit Spark: Ignite the Passion!"

Monique O
Updated
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.1
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.3
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.2
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.4
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.5
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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage 7th-grade students in a meaningful exploration of their community through multimedia storytelling. By collaborating with local business owners and families, students will create digital photo essays that capture the essence of their neighborhood's history, culture, and personal narratives. This hands-on experience aims to foster critical thinking, self-directed learning, and a sense of belonging, while meeting key literacy standards and competencies.

Learning goals

Students will develop their command of standard English conventions and enhance their writing skills by creating a digital photo essay that captures their community's story. They will engage in self-directed learning by using feedback to refine their projects and build self-knowledge. Through critical thinking and problem-solving, students will explore innovative approaches to address community-related questions, fostering a sense of identity and belonging. By collaborating with community partners, they will learn to effectively use multimedia tools and conduct research to produce and present a cohesive narrative that integrates history, culture, and personal experiences.

Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.1 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.3 - Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.2 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.4 - Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 7 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.5 - Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.6 - Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.1 - Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2 - Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.3 - Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.4 - Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.5 - With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.6 - Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and link to and cite sources as well as to interact and collaborate with others, including linking to and citing sources.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.7 - Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions for further research and investigation.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.8 - Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.9 - Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.10 - Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
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 create a digital photo essay that captures the essence of their community, integrating historical photos, interviews with local residents, and their own photographs. This will culminate in an interactive digital presentation that they will share during the 'Community Kaleidoscope Night.' Throughout the project, students will also produce multimedia presentations to demonstrate their learning progress, incorporating feedback from peers, teachers, and community members.

Launch

Kick off the project with a 'Community Story Hunt,' where students, local business owners, and families participate in a neighborhood scavenger hunt. This interactive experience will guide participants to uncover historical landmarks, cultural hotspots, and personal stories using clues and maps. This collaborative exploration sets the stage for students to gather rich content for their multimedia projects, fostering a sense of connection and curiosity about their community.

Exhibition

Host a 'Community Kaleidoscope Night' at a local community center or school auditorium where students present their digital photo essays. Invite business owners, families, and peers to explore interactive booths and displays that narrate the community's story through history, culture, and personal experiences. Encourage attendees to engage with students, providing feedback and sharing their own stories, creating a vibrant exchange of ideas and reflections.