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6th Grade  Project 7 weeks

Middle School Survival Guide: Secrets Unlocked!

Tracy A
D4.3.6-8
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.7
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.5
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

This project aims to equip 6th-grade students with the skills to create a comprehensive guidebook that supports incoming middle schoolers. By drawing on their own experiences and conducting research, students will develop empathy and leadership abilities, fostering a sense of belonging and confidence for new students. The project encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and effective communication, ensuring students can present their insights and advice to real audiences, thereby enhancing their understanding of adolescence and community engagement.

Learning goals

Students will develop skills in research, writing, and presentation by creating a guidebook that supports incoming middle school students. They will enhance their understanding of adolescent psychology and the transition to middle school through collaborative discussions and peer feedback. The project will foster critical thinking and problem-solving as students design innovative approaches to address common concerns about middle school. Additionally, learners will build self-directed learning competencies by reflecting on their personal experiences and using feedback to improve their work.
Standards
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D4.3.6-8 - Present adaptations of arguments and explanations on topics of interest to others to reach audiences and venues outside the classroom using print and oral technologies (e.g., posters, essays, letters, debates, speeches, reports, and maps) and digital technologies (e.g., Internet, social media, and digital documentary).
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.7 - Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.5 - 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.
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 project, students will create a variety of products, including student-authored articles, illustrated school maps, and infographics detailing a "day in the life" at Hidden Valley Middle School. They will also develop multimedia components such as podcasts or video series, offering "2-Minute Middle School Tips" that integrate visuals with research-backed advice. The final product will be the "Welcome to Hidden Valley Middle School" guidebook, which combines these elements to provide incoming students with valuable insights and support for their transition. Students will present their work at feeder elementary schools, engaging in interactive sessions with 5th graders to share their creations and experiences.

Launch

Kick off the project with a dynamic video montage showcasing "first day" scenes from popular films like Inside Out and Wonder. Follow this with a classroom discussion about the emotions these scenes evoke, such as excitement and nervousness. Transition the conversation to the project goal: transforming these feelings into confidence and belonging for incoming students. This emotional connection will motivate students to create impactful guidebooks that support younger peers in their transition to middle school.

Exhibition

The exhibition will feature 6th-grade students presenting their "Welcome to Hidden Valley Middle School" guidebooks at feeder elementary schools, engaging 5th graders in interactive sessions. Students will host advice stations, showcasing their articles, infographics, and videos, while facilitating peer-to-peer conversations about transitioning to middle school. The event will include Q&A sessions, distribution of printed or digital guides, and optional feedback forms for 5th graders to reflect on their learning. This exhibition transforms academic work into a community outreach experience, highlighting themes of empathy, leadership, and belonging.