"Space Odyssey: Community Transformation Quest"

11th Grade Project 4 weeks

"Space Odyssey: Community Transformation Quest"

Maegan R

C.11-12.1

C.11-12.2

C.11-12.3

C.11-12.4

C.11-12.5

+ 4 more

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Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to engage students in a hands-on project that enhances their understanding of how physical spaces influence individual and community behaviors. By collaborating with community partners, students will identify and implement improvements to a local space, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-directed learning. This project encourages students to apply academic concepts to real-world challenges, promoting a sense of identity and belonging while making a tangible impact on their community. The experience aligns with standards that emphasize composing arguments, informative texts, and effective use of digital resources, ensuring students develop essential skills for analyzing and addressing complex issues.

Learning goals

Students will engage in critical thinking and problem-solving by exploring innovative approaches to improve community spaces, considering the impact on local behaviors and interactions. They will develop self-directed learning skills through feedback and self-reflection, enhancing their understanding of design principles and community engagement. By collaborating with community partners, students will strengthen their academic mindset, establishing a sense of identity and belonging while addressing authentic community needs. Through hands-on projects, they will refine their digital design skills, effectively communicating their vision and solutions to diverse audiences. Additionally, students will meet standards by composing arguments and informative texts, conducting research, and utilizing digital resources to create and publish shared products.

Standards

[Kentucky] C.11-12.1 - Compose arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
[Kentucky] C.11-12.2 - Compose informative/explanatory texts to examine and/or convey complex ideas, concepts and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization and analysis of content.
[Kentucky] C.11-12.3 - Use narratives strategically in other modes of writing utilizing effective technique, well-chosen details and well-structured sequences for an intended purpose, including but not limited to introducing an issue and/or supporting a claim.
[Kentucky] C.11-12.4 - Use digital resources to create, publish and update individual or shared products, taking advantage of technology's capacity to link to other information and to display information flexibly and dynamically. Use a variety of formats to cite sources.
[Kentucky] C.11-12.5 - Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
[Kentucky] C.11-12.6 - Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the task, purpose and audience; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and overreliance on any one source and following a standard format for citation.

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 detailed mood boards and blueprints using digital design tools to visually communicate their vision for the improved space, aligning with standards C.11-12.4 and C.11-12.5. They will develop a comprehensive portfolio that includes before-and-after photos, written reflections, and evidence of community engagement, meeting standards C.11-12.1 and C.11-12.2. The final product will be a multifunctional outdoor seating area, incorporating sustainable materials and innovative features like solar-powered lighting, to enhance community interactions, demonstrating mastery of standards C.11-12.3 and C.11-12.6.

Launch

Begin the project with an engaging 'Spaces to Places Tour,' where students and community partners visit potential sites for improvement, fostering on-site discussions about possibilities and challenges. Complement this with a 'Place-Making Expo,' where students showcase initial research through interactive displays, inviting community feedback. This launch immerses students in authentic contexts, igniting curiosity and collaborative dialogue while aligning with standards for composing arguments and conducting research.

Exhibition

Students will organize a 'Walkthrough Experience' in the newly revamped spaces, guiding community members through the improvements. At key points, students will explain the changes, their design process, and the anticipated impact on community interactions. This interactive exhibition will include before-and-after visuals, mood boards, and blueprints displayed on-site, allowing attendees to engage with the transformation and provide feedback. Additionally, students will host a public exhibition featuring interactive displays and a panel discussion with community partners to articulate the project's challenges and successes, showcasing their learning and the project's community contribution.

Learning Journey

Project Activities

Days 1 - 4

Milestone Activities

No activities have been added to this phase yet.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1
Phase	Project Activities
Activities	Project Introduction & Essential Question Exploration Activity 15m Spaces to Places Tour Planning Activity 30m
Preparation

Week 2	Day 2
Phase	Project Activities
Activities	Research and Stakeholder Mapping Activity 45m
Preparation

Week 3	Day 3
Phase	Project Activities
Activities	Design Thinking Session Activity 45m
Preparation

Week 4	Day 4
Phase	Project Activities
Activities	Final Proposal Revisions Activity 20m Rehearsal for Unveiling Presentation Activity 25m
Preparation