Plan
| Week 1 |
Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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| Activities |
Project Launch and Introduction - Introduce the 'Mission Possible Challenge' by handing out mystery envelopes containing different community issues. Discuss the essential question: 'What steps can we take to research, plan, and implement a solution to a social justice issue affecting Santa Monica?' (20 min)
Beach Cleanup with Heal the Bay - Participate in a hands-on beach cleanup activity to witness the impact of pollution firsthand and gather real-world data to be used in later math lessons. (25 min)
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Data Analysis Workshop - Analyze the data collected from the beach cleanup using statistical concepts. Discuss the scale and impact of plastic pollution on the community. (30 min)
Brainstorming Session - Facilitate a collaborative session where students share initial ideas and strategies for tackling their assigned community issues. Encourage critical thinking and problem-solving. (15 min)
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Research Skills Development - Guide students in using nonfiction reading strategies to gather credible information about their chosen social justice issue. Focus on summarizing key findings. (25 min)
Nonfiction Writing Basics - Introduce the principles of nonfiction explanatory writing, emphasizing organization and clarity. Begin drafting a plan to address their chosen issue. (20 min)
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Collaborative Research Session - Provide time for students to work in groups to expand their research using various sources, applying reading strategies learned previously. (25 min)
Community Partner Introduction - Introduce students to Heal the Bay as a community partner and discuss the importance of community engagement in addressing social justice issues. (20 min)
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Peer Review and Feedback - Organize a peer review session where students share their research findings and receive constructive feedback. Encourage refinement of ideas based on diverse perspectives. (25 min)
Reflection Circle - Conduct a reflection circle for students to share their progress, challenges, and insights from the week. Promote a sense of community and belonging. (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completion of the 'Mission Possible Challenge' with a chosen issue.
2. Participation in the beach cleanup activity. 3. Initial brainstorming ideas and strategies for addressing the chosen issue. 4. Graphs and data analysis from math lessons on community issues. 5. Beginning entries in research journals documenting findings and reflections. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather mystery envelopes with descriptions of local issues.
2. Coordinate with Heal the Bay for the beach cleanup activity. 3. Prepare math lesson materials focusing on data analysis related to community issues. 4. Collect nonfiction texts and online resources for research on social justice issues. 5. Create research journals for students to document their findings and reflections. |
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| Week 2 |
Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10
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| Activities |
Community Issue Deep Dive - Students select a local issue they are passionate about, such as homelessness or ocean pollution. Facilitate a session where students identify key aspects of their chosen issue and brainstorm potential solutions. (20 min)
Nonfiction Reading Strategies Workshop - Students practice reading strategies to gather information from nonfiction texts about their chosen community issues. Focus on identifying credible sources and summarizing key findings. (25 min)
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Mathematical Analysis of Community Data - Guide students to apply mathematical concepts to analyze real-world data related to their issue, such as statistics and graphing. Discuss the scale and impact of these issues on the community. (25 min)
Writing Skills Enhancement - Facilitate a session on organizing ideas and clarity of expression in nonfiction explanatory writing. Begin drafting their explanatory reports on their chosen issues. (20 min)
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Collaborative Research and Solution Development - Students work in groups to expand their research, refine their proposed solutions, and develop a collaborative action plan. Encourage critical thinking and problem-solving. (30 min)
Community Engagement Strategies - Introduce students to effective communication practices for engaging with community partners like Heal the Bay. Discuss the importance of empathy and active listening. (15 min)
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Feedback and Revision - Organize peer feedback sessions where students present their research findings and proposed solutions. Encourage refinement based on constructive critiques. (25 min)
Reflection and Self-Directed Learning - Facilitate a reflection session where students assess their progress and identify areas for improvement. Encourage self-directed learning and goal setting. (20 min)
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Effective Communication Workshop - Develop students' presentation skills through practice sessions where they convey their research and solutions using various media formats. Focus on empathy and clarity. (25 min)
Weekly Reflection Circle - Conduct a reflection circle where students share insights gained from their research and collaborative efforts, fostering a sense of community and belonging. (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. A collection of research notes and summarized key findings on their chosen issue.
2. Graphs and charts analyzing the data related to their issue. 3. A draft of the nonfiction explanatory report with organized ideas and evidence. 4. Peer feedback forms with constructive critiques and suggestions for improvement. 5. Reflection journal entries detailing their learning process and personal insights. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather nonfiction reading materials and credible sources about various social justice issues.
2. Prepare data sets and graphing tools for the math analysis activity. 3. Develop a writing guide focusing on explanatory writing techniques. 4. Set up a system for peer feedback, including guidelines and rubrics. 5. Organize a space for the reflection circle with prompts to guide discussion. |
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| Week 3 |
Day 11
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Day 12
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Day 13
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Day 14
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Day 15
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| Activities |
Project Refinement Workshop - Students review and refine their proposed solutions for their chosen community issue, ensuring clarity and practicality. Focus on integrating feedback received in prior sessions. (25 min)
Nonfiction Report Drafting - Continue drafting their explanatory reports, emphasizing evidence-based arguments and structured organization. Students should also begin incorporating real-world data from their research. (20 min)
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Presentation Skills Development - Engage in activities that focus on enhancing students' presentation skills. Include voice modulation, body language, and visual aids to effectively communicate their findings. (25 min)
Peer Feedback Session - Conduct a peer feedback session where students present their refined solutions and receive constructive critiques to further refine their work. (20 min)
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Community Partner Engagement Planning - Students plan how they will engage and collaborate with community partners like Heal the Bay, outlining specific steps and objectives for the partnership. (20 min)
Communication Workshop - Practice effective communication techniques, focusing on empathy and active listening, to prepare for interactions with community partners and the public. (25 min)
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Final Report Drafting - Continue to refine and complete the draft of their nonfiction explanatory reports, ensuring all necessary components and evidence are included. (15 min)
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Reflection Circle - Gather in a circle to share progress, challenges, and insights gained throughout the week. Discuss how the project has influenced their understanding of community issues. (20 min)
Exhibition Preparation - Start preparing for the upcoming 'Community Impact Fair' by planning their booth setup and finalizing any presentation materials. (25 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Draft of explanatory writing that outlines their research findings and proposed solutions to their chosen social justice issue.
2. Feedback received from peers during peer review sessions, documented and reflected upon for improvement. 3. Completion of nonfiction reading assignments with summaries and key points extracted. 4. Participation in communication workshops, with practiced presentations or media products prepared for critique. 5. Initial version of digital product (website, PSA video, etc.) ready for review and refinement. 6. Reflection journal entry detailing personal insights gained from research and feedback received, focusing on their learning journey and community involvement. |
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| Preparation |
1. Organize and schedule peer feedback sessions, ensuring all students are aware of their roles and expectations.
2. Gather nonfiction reading materials, including articles and reports related to the chosen social justice issues, ensuring they are age-appropriate and diverse. 3. Prepare and distribute guidelines for explanatory writing, emphasizing the structure, use of evidence, and clarity needed for their reports. 4. Coordinate with community partners, such as Heal the Bay, to arrange guest speakers and provide insights into local issues. 5. Set up a digital platform where students can collaborate and share resources, ensuring availability of tools for creating digital products like websites or videos. 6. Prepare materials for a communication workshop, including templates for presentations and guidelines for effective communication. |
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| Week 4 |
Day 16
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Day 17
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Day 18
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Day 19
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Day 20
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| Activities |
Final Draft Writing - Students finalize their nonfiction explanatory reports, ensuring clarity, organization, and use of evidence to support their solutions to the chosen social justice issue. (25 min)
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Presentation Rehearsal - Students practice presenting their projects, focusing on effective communication skills such as empathy and clarity. Peer feedback will be provided to enhance presentation quality. (25 min)
Self-Reflection and Goal Setting - Students reflect on their learning journey, set personal goals for their presentations, and identify areas for further improvement. (20 min)
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Community Impact Fair Setup - Students work on setting up their booths or interactive displays for the upcoming Community Impact Fair, ensuring all materials are ready for presentation. (20 min)
Peer Feedback and Revision - Final peer feedback session where students make last-minute revisions to their presentations based on constructive critiques. (25 min)
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Community Impact Fair - Students present their projects and solutions to parents, peers, and community members at the fair, engaging in dialogue and receiving feedback from attendees. (45 min)
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Final Reflection Presentations - Students showcase their projects in a classroom setting, discussing their learning outcomes, contributions to addressing social justice issues, and personal growth throughout the project. (25 min)
Reflection Circle - Conduct a final reflection circle where students share insights gained, celebrate their achievements, and discuss the impact of their solutions on the Santa Monica community. (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Final version of each student's research-based project plan addressing a local social justice issue.
2. Completed nonfiction explanatory report detailing research findings and proposed solutions. 3. A digital product (website, PSA video, podcast, etc.) or direct community action summary that communicates their ideas. 4. Presentation materials for their booth at the 'Community Impact Fair', including visual aids, handouts, or interactive elements. 5. Participation in the weekly reflection circle to discuss project progress, challenges, and insights. 6. Completion of peer feedback sessions to refine their presentations and receive constructive critiques. 7. Final reflection presentation where students showcase their projects and discuss learning outcomes and contributions. |
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| Preparation |
1. Prepare the venue and materials for the 'Community Impact Fair', including tables, chairs, presentation equipment (e.g., projectors, screens), and display boards.
2. Coordinate with community partners, such as Heal the Bay, to confirm participation and involvement in the fair. 3. Gather and organize all necessary technology for students to present their digital projects (e.g., laptops, tablets, internet access). 4. Ensure all students have access to materials required for final project touches, such as art supplies, printed materials, or digital editing tools. 5. Set up a space for the weekly reflection circle and peer feedback sessions, ensuring it's conducive to discussion and collaboration. 6. Prepare a schedule outlining each student's presentation time and booth location for the fair to facilitate smooth transitions. 7. Communicate with parents and community members about the event details and invite them to the 'Community Impact Fair'. |
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