The purpose of this project is to immerse students in a real-world scenario that enhances their Spanish language skills through active engagement and collaboration. By participating in a mock investigation, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities while communicating effectively in Spanish. This experience aims to foster self-directed learning and socio-emotional growth, as students reflect on their progress and interact with community partners to gain cultural insights.
Learning goals
Students will develop their Spanish communication skills by effectively describing personal and suspect profiles in real-world scenarios. They will enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities by engaging in mock investigations and collaborating with community partners. Through self-directed learning, students will reflect on their language development and socio-emotional growth, setting personal goals for improvement.
Standards
[National Core Arts Standards] TH:Cr1.HS1.c - Use script analysis to generate ideas about a character that is believable and authentic in a drama/theatre work.
[Next Generation Science Standards] 9-12.AF.3.1 - Plan an investigation or test a design individually and collaboratively to produce data to serve as the basis for evidence as part of building and revising models, supporting explanations for phenomena, or testing solutions to problems. Consider possible confounding variables or effects and evaluate the investigation's design to ensure variables are controlled.
[Next Generation Science Standards] 9-12.AF.3.2 - Plan and conduct an investigation individually and collaboratively to produce data to serve as the basis for evidence, and in the design: decide on types, how much, and accuracy of data needed to produce reliable measurements and consider limitations on the precision of the data (e.g., number of trials, cost, risk, time), and refine the design accordingly.
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 mural that visually represents suspect profiles and cultural insights gained from interviews with native Spanish speakers, which will be displayed at the 'Crime Scene Exhibition'. Additionally, they will assemble a printed booklet containing suspect profiles, sketches, and reflective essays in Spanish, to be distributed to attendees at the exhibition, providing a tangible record of their work. These products will showcase the students' ability to communicate effectively in Spanish and demonstrate their understanding of cultural nuances and real-world scenarios.
Launch
Kick off the learning experience with a 'Mystery Launch Day,' where students receive a dossier containing the crime scenario and initial clues. Engage students in a team-building activity to collaboratively brainstorm initial suspect profiles in Spanish, fostering a sense of intrigue and collaboration. This launch sets the stage for the project, encouraging students to dive into the investigation while practicing their Spanish communication skills.
Exhibition
Students will host a 'Suspect Showcase' event, presenting their suspect profiles and sketches to community partners, classmates, and family members using Spanish to describe their work and answer questions. They will also set up a 'Crime Scene Exhibition' with interactive displays of suspect profiles and evidence, inviting community members to explore and provide feedback on Spanish communication skills. Additionally, students will participate in a 'Language and Law Forum' with the local police department and university Spanish department, discussing the role of language in real-world investigations and showcasing their work.
