8th Grade  Project 2 weeks

"School Story: Leading with Heart & Harmony"

Narveya M
TH:Cn10.8.a
TH:Cr1.8.c
TH:Cr1.8.a
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

Create a short film project that fosters cultural sensitivity, empathy, leadership, and social influence by exploring and documenting the diverse cultural traditions within your school community. Engage in hands-on learning of film production techniques while developing skills in self-directed learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Through storytelling, aim to promote understanding and empathy among different cultural groups, enhancing your sense of place, identity, and belonging within the school.

Learning goals

Develop your skills in film production by practicing scriptwriting, camera operation, and editing techniques. Explore cultural sensitivity and empathy by creating a short film that highlights diverse cultural traditions within your school community. Strengthen your ability to examine community issues from multiple perspectives and articulate character motivations in drama/theatre work. Engage in self-directed learning through feedback and reflection, and enhance your academic mindset by establishing a sense of identity and belonging. Apply critical thinking and problem-solving to address complex questions about cultural diversity and social influence.
Standards
  • [National Core Arts Standards] TH:Cn10.8.a - Examine a community issue through multiple perspectives in a drama/theatre work.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] TH:Cr1.8.c - Develop a scripted or improvised character by articulating the character’s inner thoughts, objectives, and motivations in a drama/theatre work.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] TH:Cr1.8.a - Imagine and explore multiple perspectives and solutions to staging problems in a 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

Throughout the project, you will create practice clips that demonstrate your understanding of film production techniques, focusing on cultural aspects of your school community. By the end, you will produce a short film that showcases diverse cultural traditions within your school, incorporating interviews and personal stories to emphasize cultural sensitivity. Additionally, you will conduct interviews with community members to gather feedback on your film's impact, helping you refine your storytelling approach and deepen your understanding of empathy and cultural diversity.

Launch

Begin by hosting a film screening of short clips that explore cultural diversity, followed by a group discussion about the impact of storytelling on empathy and understanding. Encourage students to share their initial thoughts and experiences related to cultural sensitivity within their school community. This will set the stage for brainstorming ideas for your own film project, while fostering a collaborative environment where multiple perspectives are valued.

Exhibition

Organize a film screening event at your school where you present your short film to classmates, teachers, and community members. Facilitate a Q&A session afterward to discuss the film's themes of cultural sensitivity and empathy, encouraging audience members to share their perspectives and reflections. Display behind-the-scenes footage and storyboards to showcase your creative process and decision-making.