Students will engage in an immersive exploration of Indigenous communities, focusing on their rich traditions, history, and culture. Through hands-on activities like cooking traditional dishes, crafting, and creating telares de cintura, students will develop a deeper understanding of the internal diversity and social dynamics within these communities. This project fosters critical thinking and self-directed learning as students research, reflect, and revise their work, culminating in an exhibition that celebrates their learning journey and connects them with peers across different grade levels.
Learning goals
Students will explore and appreciate the rich diversity within Indigenous communities by engaging in hands-on activities such as cooking traditional dishes and creating crafts like telares de cintura. They will research and delve into the traditions, history, and culture of these communities, fostering a deeper understanding of how internal diversity shapes beliefs and behaviors. Through self-directed learning, students will use feedback and reflection to enhance their projects, culminating in an exhibition where they share their insights and creations with peers from various grade levels.
Standards
[National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Rel.6.9-12 - Identify how internal diversity is evident in beliefs, behaviors, and experiences of belonging to various communities.
[National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Rel.8.9-12 - Interpret how beliefs, behaviors, and experiences of belonging to various communities affect and are affected by other social, political, and cultural forces.
[National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Civ.6.K-2 - Describe how communities work to accomplish common tasks, establish responsibilities, and fulfill roles of authority.
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 engage in hands-on activities by cooking traditional indigenous dishes and crafting items such as telares de cintura. Each student will contribute to a collaborative display that showcases their crafted items and culinary creations, highlighting the diversity and richness of indigenous cultures. The final products will be shared in a school-wide exhibition, allowing students to present their work and cultural insights to peers from various grade levels.
Launch
Begin the project with an immersive exploration day where students engage in a virtual tour of various Indigenous communities, using interactive maps and videos. Follow this with a guided inquiry session where students brainstorm questions and areas of interest related to Indigenous traditions, history, and culture. Encourage students to express their initial thoughts and curiosities through a creative medium, such as drawing or storytelling, to spark curiosity and set the stage for deeper investigation.
Exhibition
Students will host a cultural fair where they present their projects to peers from various grade levels. They will showcase traditional dishes they've cooked, crafts they've created, and demonstrate telares de cintura weaving techniques. Each group will have a booth where they share their research on indigenous traditions, history, and culture, inviting visitors to engage through interactive activities and discussions. This exhibition will provide a platform for students to share their learning journey, receive feedback, and foster a deeper understanding of indigenous communities among the school community.
